Seven Blessings of Giving

Posted on February 3, 2024 by Mark Cole

In a world often characterized by self-preservation and accumulation, the act of giving stands out as a powerful and transformative practice. Let’s spend a few moments to look into seven blessings of giving that extend beyond the material realm.

1. Joy and Fulfillment (Acts 20:35):

   The Bible declares, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Embracing a generous spirit brings a profound sense of joy and fulfillment. Giving allows us to participate in something greater than ourselves, fostering a sense of purpose and satisfaction that material possessions alone cannot provide.

2. Prosperity (Proverbs 11:25):

   Proverbs 11:25 tells us that a generous person will prosper. While this prosperity extends beyond financial gain, there’s a beautiful reciprocity that happens when we give with a genuine heart. Blessings often flow back to those who give freely, whether in relationships, opportunities, or unexpected moments of grace.

3. Spiritual Growth (2 Corinthians 9:6-7):

   The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, encourages cheerful giving, emphasizing that God loves a cheerful giver. Giving not only benefits the receiver but also fosters spiritual growth in the giver. It nurtures qualities like compassion, empathy, and humility, creating a deeper connection with the Creator of the Universe.

4. Protection and Provision (Malachi 3:10):

   Malachi 3:10 speaks of the principle of tithing, where God promises to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings when we bring our tithes and offerings. This includes protection and provision in various aspects of our lives. Trusting in God’s provision through giving strengthens our faith and reliance on Him.

5. Multiplication of Blessings (Luke 6:38):

   In Luke 6:38, Jesus teaches about the principle of giving and receiving. He says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” The act of giving sets in motion a cycle of blessings, where the more we give, the more we receive in abundance.

6. Eternal Rewards (Matthew 6:19-21):

   Matthew 6:19-21 encourages believers to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. The act of giving with an eternal perspective leads to rewards beyond the temporal. Investing in the well-being of others and furthering God’s kingdom carries eternal significance and lasting impact.

7. Heart Transformation (Mark 12:41-44):

   In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus commends the widow who gave all she had. This narrative highlights the transformative power of sacrificial giving. When we give from the heart, even in our perceived inadequacy, it leads to a profound transformation within us, shaping our character to reflect the love and generosity of Christ.

The act of giving brings about a myriad of blessings that go beyond material wealth. From joy and fulfillment to spiritual growth and eternal rewards, embracing a generous spirit aligns us with the God’s divine purpose of love and selflessness. As we navigate the journey of life, may the blessings of giving guide us toward a more meaningful and purpose-driven existence.

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50 Bible Verses on Praise & Worship

Posted on January 29, 2024 by Mark Cole

The Bible mentions praise and worship over 400 times. Jesus said that God is looking for worshippers. May these Bible verses deepen your personal worship of God and give you a foundation to seek after Him.

Psalm 66:4
“All the earth will worship You,
And will sing praises to You;
They will sing praises to Your name.”

Psalm 63:4
So I will bless You as long as I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.

John 4:24
“God is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

Psalm 86:12
I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
And will glorify Your name forever.

Psalm 95:6
Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

Psalm 71:8
My mouth is filled with Your praise
And with Your glory all day long.

Psalm 95:2
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

Psalm 145:2
Every day I will bless You,
And I will praise Your name forever and ever.

Psalm 86:9
All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord,
And they shall glorify Your name.

Psalm 146:2
I will praise the Lord while I live;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

Psalm 99:5
Exalt the Lord our God
And worship at His footstool;
Holy is He.

Psalm 47:7
For God is the King of all the earth;
Sing praises with a skillful psalm.

Psalm 148:3
Praise Him, sun and moon;
Praise Him, all stars of light!

I Chronicles 16:29
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering and come before Him. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.

Psalm 104:33
I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

Psalm 145:3
Great is the Lord, and highly to be praised,
And His greatness is unsearchable.

Psalm 96:9
Worship the Lord in holy attire;
Tremble before Him, all the earth.

Psalm 30:12
That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Psalm 115:17
The dead do not praise the Lord,
Nor do any who go down into silence;

Hebrews 2:12
“I will proclaim Your name to My brethren,
In the midst of the congregation I will sing Your praise.”

Psalm 92:1
It is good to give thanks to the Lord
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;

Psalm 34:3
O magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

Psalm 59:16
But as for me, I shall sing of Your strength;
Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For You have been my stronghold
And a refuge in the day of my distress.

Psalm 119:164
Seven times a day I praise You,
Because of Your righteous ordinances.

Psalm 113:3
From the rising of the sun to its setting
The name of the Lord is to be praised.

Luke 4:8
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”

Psalm 69:30
I will praise the name of God with song
And magnify Him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 33:2
Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre;
Sing praises to Him with a harp of ten strings.

Psalm 43:4
Then I will go to the altar of God,
To God my exceeding joy;
And upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God.

Ephesians 5:19
… speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;

Psalm 29:2
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name;
Worship the Lord in holy array.

Psalm 149:3
Let them praise His name with dancing;
Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre.

Psalm 99:9
Exalt the Lord our God
And worship at His holy hill,
For holy is the Lord our God.

Psalm 147:1
Praise the Lord!
For it is good to sing praises to our God;
For it is pleasant and praise is becoming.

Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Psalm 52:9
I will give You thanks forever, because You have done it,
And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones.

Psalm 22:23
You who fear the Lord, praise Him;
All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him,
And stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel.

1 Corinthians 14:15
What is the outcome then? I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.

Psalm 100:4
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.

Psalm 145:1
I will extol You, my God, O King,
And I will bless Your name forever and ever.

Revelation 7:9-10
I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb!”

Psalm 22:3
Yet You are holy,
O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.

Psalm 134:1
Behold, bless the Lord, all servants of the Lord,
Who serve by night in the house of the Lord!

Psalm 103:1
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.

Nehemiah 8:6
Then Ezra blessed the Lord the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

Psalm 99:3
Let them praise Your great and awesome name;
Holy is He.

Psalm 150:3
Praise Him with trumpet sound;
Praise Him with harp and lyre.

Romans 15:6
… so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Psalm 132:7
Let us go into His dwelling place;
Let us worship at His footstool.

Psalm 150:6
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!

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Guidelines For A Strong Worship Team

Posted on January 26, 2024 by Mark Cole

In any quality organization there are codes of conduct and concrete expectations. A number of years ago I attended a worship conference at Gateway Church in Dallas and was totally impressed by their worship team. Based on Gateway’s code of conduct and my own experience, here are the standards and guidelines for the worship teams that I work with.

 standards-642x336

GUIDELINES FOR WORSHIP MINISTRY

  • Must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that is consistent and growing through prayer, Bible reading and church fellowship.
  • Be a committed attendee and giver at our church, including regular attendance at Sunday Services.
  • Demonstrate technical competence as either a singer, musician or audio/media technician.
  • Singers and musicians must be comfortable on stage and expressive in their praise and worship before God.
  • Maintain a faithful attendance record.
  • Be committed to practicing an hour or more per week on their Sunday songs at home.

COMMITMENT TO A GODLY LIFESTYLE 

  • Worship team members are expected to live a lifestyle that is above reproach, avoiding even the appearance of evil. (I Tim 3). Being a minister, who is up front, adds extra responsibilities because people see us as examples of what a Christian should be like. Therefore, it is imperative that we consider the way we treat each other and carefully guard our hearts from impurities and pride.
  • It is God’s desire and our desire to see our worship team members living a victorious Christian life, free from bondage. If there are any addictions or issues with which you struggle, please let us know – we are here to help you, not to judge you.

The following issues should be dealt with before any public ministry position is taken:

  •  Alcohol and drug abuse. Sexual immorality
  •  Prideful attitude. Anger and rage problems,
  •  Inability to submit to leadership, gossiping and stirring up strife
  •  An unbiblical lifestyle

DRESS CODE (special note: Dress codes vary widely with the size and type of church. An informal church of 100 people who meet by the beach might be significantly different from the mega-church with a televised service… this is what works in my situation.. your situation might be totally different)

General Dress Code: Modesty & dressy (not sloppy), culturally relevant style are key.

  • No overly tight clothing. Woman: No short skirts or short dresses. No low-cut dresses.
  • No sleeveless tops (without a covering).
  • No revealing clothing (i.e. see-thru material without undershirt)
  • Proper footwear: polished shoes or dress running shoes.
  • No gaudy/over-sized jewelry (anything that might be a distraction)

Sunday Morning Attire: 

  • Men: Nice shirt & pants: optional jackets, sweaters & vests.
  • Ladies: Nice top & pants, skirt or dress (knee-length). No pants, leggings or jeggings that are tight all the way to the ankle unless you wear a long top that goes mid-thigh.
  • All: Nice dark dress jeans are also acceptable. Old & baggy jeans are not acceptable. No rips in jeans. No hats.
  • Colors: Stick to neutral tones: Black & all grey tones, browns and all it’s tones, light/dark blue, dark purple, white and off-white. No loud prints.

SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Typically each band member and singer will be scheduled once or twice per month based on their availability and monthly service schedules.
  • Arriving on time and ready for music practice is essential for each member! In order to present worship music that is both excellent in quality and anointed, a strong rehearsal is necessary. The more we practice, the freer we are to worship and lead others in worship! (Check out: The 10 Commandments of Great Worship Team Members)
  • Learn your instrumental and vocal parts before you come to the mid-week rehearsal.
  • Thursday Night Rehearsals: 7-9 pm *only mandatory for those on that week.
  • Sunday 8:15 AM Rehearsal, 9 AM Prayer, 9:30 AM service, 11:15 AM service.

TIPS FOR BETTER PLATFORM PRESENCE:

  • Look in the mirror and watch what you look like – jump, clap, bow, dance, raise your hands, be engaging. If something appears awkward, adjust it to make sure you are communicating what you want to communicate.
  • Do not let the congregation determine your level of expression. Sometimes they will not be engaged in worship. As leaders, we always need to be engaged. Show them an example of how to express worship. Most of the time, they simply need to see worship in order to learn how to express it on their own.
  • Be sincere. Worship from your heart. Give a warm smile from within. We are leading people from all different circumstances, so remember that a warm smile ministers more than you realize.
  • Musicians – Be sure to stay engaged in worship. Practice ahead of time and memorize your music so you don’t have to focus on your instrument the whole time. Sing while you play. Seeing a musician singing from their heart can really help people worship. Move around your area. Use your space to the fullest. When there is no movement, the platform can look stagnant. (check out: Where Is Your Brain On Sunday Morning?)
  • Singers and musicians: Work on developing eye contact with the congregation. One of our jobs is to help bring the congregation with us in worship and closing our eyes all the time can leave them feeling disconnected.
  • Do you want to know what the best worship teams do? They worship God and lead others to do the same.

Question: What do you agree or disagree with in these guidelines? What is working for your team? 

Check out my new book.. “Leading Worship ~ Notes from a Grand Adventure’ available in Kindle or Soft Cover Editions.  This is a great gift for the musician or worshipper in your life.

If this blog has been a blessing to you, would you consider a small financial gift to cover the costs (via this  PayPal account)

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How Do We Know the Bible Is True?

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Mark Cole

By R.C. Sproul

That’s an excellent question because so much is at stake in the Christian faith in terms of the truthfulness of Scripture. The Bible is our primary source of information about Jesus and about all of those things we embrace as elements of our faith. Of course, if the Bible isn’t true, then professing Christians are in serious trouble.

I believe the Bible is true. I believe it is the Word of God. As Jesus Himself declared of the Scripture, “Your word is truth.” But why am I persuaded that the Bible is the truth?

We need to ask a broader question first. How do we know that anything is true? We’re asking a technical question in epistemology. How do we test claims of truth? There is a certain kind of truth that we test through observation, experimentation, eyewitness, examination, and scientific evidence.

As far as the history of Jesus is concerned, as far as we know any history, we want to check the stories of Scripture using those means by which historical evidence can be tested—through archaeology, for example. There are certain elements of the Scripture, such as historical claims, that are to be measured by the common standards of historiography. I invite people to do that—to check it out.

Second, we want to test the claims of truth through the test of rationality. Is it logically consistent, or does it speak with a “forked tongue”? We examine the content of Scripture to see if it is coherent. That’s another test of truth.

One of the most astonishing things, of course, is that the Bible has literally thousands of testable historical prophecies, cases in which events were clearly foretold, and both the foretelling and the fulfillment are a matter of historical record. The very dimension of the sheer fulfillment of prophecy of the Old Testament Scriptures should be enough to convince anyone that we are dealing with a supernatural piece of literature.

Of course, some theologians have said that with all of the evidence there is that Scripture is true, we can truly embrace it only with the Holy Spirit working in us to overcome our biases and prejudices against Scripture, against God. In theology, this is called the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit.

I want to stress at this point that when the Holy Spirit helps me to see the truth of Scripture and to embrace the truth of Scripture, it’s not because the Holy Spirit is giving me some special insight that he doesn’t give to somebody else or is giving me special information that nobody else can have. All the Holy Spirit does is change my heart, change my disposition toward the evidence that is already there. I think that God Himself has planted within the Scriptures an internal consistency that bears witness that this is His Word.

This excerpt is adapted from Now, That’s a Good Question! by R.C. Sproul.

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The Five Most Important Facts About Worship

Posted on January 22, 2024 by Mark Cole

Years ago, I realized that I often had only one shot at communicating with an audience in some of the countries that I would visit. So, I asked myself, if I could only speak once to an audience, what were the most important things on worship that I could share?

01-Heart-of-Worship-660x371

Here are my top five most important facts about worship:

1. God wants you to worship Him

Jesus said,  “The hour is coming and is already here when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is looking for those who will worship Him that way.” (John 4:23-25)

God wants us to worship Him, He wants you to worship Him. God is happy when we live good lives but He wants more than that, He is looking for worshippers. He is looking for people who are in love with Him. In fact, they are so in love with Him that they long to be in His presence and worship Him.

2. Worship is one of the most important ways of loving God

The greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all you have. Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30)

Worship is a natural outflow of my love for God. Let me give you an example from my marriage. I love my wife, so I try to do things that she likes. Once a week I take her out for breakfast or dinner because she loves to go out. (Even though I prefer her cooking at home).

I buy her flowers because she loves them. (even though they can be expensive and last less than  week). I buy her perfume (OK… this is a win-win. I love it when she smells great). I try to help her around the house without being asked (I am not always successful at this). I tell her daily that I love her (I am successful at this, although she sometimes forgets that I do it).

When you love someone, you try to do the things that please them. It is a natural outflow of my love for my wife, Anna. I try to do those things with my whole heart. If I grumble and complain when I do them, then they really don’t count in my wife’s books.

The same principle applies to our worship and love for God, God is looking for worshippers who will willingly worship Him with their whole heart. He is looking for people who are passionate in their love for Him. God is not that interested in lukewarm love. He does not want 50% or 75%. God wants you to love Him with your whole heart, soul, mind and strength. 

3. God wants you to worship Him according to His Word

To stay with the marriage analogy, if I did things totally my own way, our lives would look quite different. For fun we would go bike riding and play tennis (my wife does not like bike riding or tennis). We would eat at home 99% of the time. She is a gourmet cook! (my wife likes to go out once or twice a week). I would pass on helping around the house (I’m a guy.. what can I say!?)

When you get to know God and His word, you discover that He likes things done His way. And frankly, His way is always the best way!

Jesus said: “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)

a) What does it mean to worship God ‘in spirit’?

God made us with three separate parts to our being….body, soul & spirit. We can best communicate with God on a spirit level since “God is Spirit”. 

When my spirit connects with God’s spirit, that’s worship. It is a bit difficult to describe but let me explain how it works for me. When I am leading worship or I am just in a worship service, I can just sing the worship songs and go through the motions of worship. Or, I can really focus my heart on God. When I sing the words and mean them from the depths of my being. That is when true worship begins. My spirit begins to connect with God’s Spirit.

b) What does it mean to worship God ‘in truth’?

In John 17:17, Jesus said: “God’s Word is truth.” I believe that to worship God according to ‘truth’, is to worship Him according to the patterns in His Word. “God’s word is truth.” In the Bible it talks about worshipping God by singing, playing instruments, lifting hands, clapping, shouting, dancing, bowing down, standing and giving.

The Bible also talks about the attitudes you should have when you come to worship. It talks about being thankful, honest, reverent, with faith, humble, with joy and with our whole heart.

I recently wrote two blogs on what the Bible says about ‘the actions of worship’ and ‘the attitudes of worship’. They will give you a great overview of the basics of worshipping God ‘in truth’.

4. Singing and worshipping God on Sunday morning is just one facet of worship.

  • God wants our love for Him to include more than just Sunday mornings. He wants us to live out our love for Him on a daily basis. 
  • God wants us to live daily with thankful hearts (I Thessalonians 5:18). 
  • God wants us to do good works and share with the people He brings into our lives (Hebrews 13:16) 
  • God wants us to pray regularly (Ephesians 6:18). 
  • God wants us to give a portion of our finances regularly (Malachi 3:10). 
  • God wants us to love our neighbours as ourselves. (Mark 12:31)

Worshipping God should be a daily part of our lives. One way that we worship God is to love the people He has sent into our lives. As we pray for them, help them and share our lives with them, we are pleasing God. When we live a life that is pleasing to God, He sees it as worship.

5. The heart of worship is surrendering your life to God.

The Apostle Paul said, “Give yourselves to God…surrender your whole being to Him to be used for righteous purposes.” (Romans 6:13) 

And then later on in the book of Romans, Paul wrote: “So then my friends, in view of God’s great mercy to us, offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to His service and pleasing Him. This is the true worship that you should offer.” (Romans 12:1)

True worship comes from a surrendered life. There have been many times when God has asked me to totally surrender my life to Him. 

A number of years back, I was at a major crossroads in my life. I had just left church ministry and started to write music full-time for praisecharts.com.  But I was feeling uneasy and unsatisfied. God was working in my heart. He was asking me if I was willing to go wherever He wanted. He was asking me if I was willing to do whatever He asked of me.

I have learned that when God starts asking those questions, something unusual is about to happen. I have also learned that God can do a better job with my life then I can. So once again, I surrendered my whole life to God. A life without reservations, no holds barred, to follow whatever He wanted me to go and do whatever He wanted me to do.

To make a long story short, within weeks I was leading worship in Copenhagen and experienced the greatest week of ministry of my life. This lead to almost seven years travelling around the world and seeing thousands of people healed and coming to know Jesus. (for the rest of that story see: Can God Touch A Nation?) I have learned that totally surrendering to God is the most powerful way to live my life.

One of the great Christian leaders of the 20th century was Bill Bright, the founder of Campus Crusade For Christ. Through his staff around the world, the Four Spiritual Laws tract and the Jesus film (seen by over 4 billion), more than 150 million people have come to Christ and will spend eternity in heaven because of Bill’s ministry.

Bill was once asked, “Why did God use and bless your life so much?” He said, “When I was a young man, I made a contract with God. I literally wrote it out and signed my name at the bottom. It said, ‘From this day forward, I am a slave of Jesus Christ.”

Have you ever made a contract like that with God? Or are you still arguing and struggling with God over His right to do with your life as He pleases? If God is speaking to you, I urge you to surrender to Him. Trust me, it is the best decision that you will ever make!

Question: What area of your life do you need to still surrender to God? Are you willing to give God complete control of your life?

Check out my new book.. “Leading Worship ~ Notes from a Grand Adventure’ available in Kindle or Soft Cover Editions.  This is a great gift for the musician or worshipper in your life.

This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount through this PayPal account.

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Forgiveness, Healing, and Hope

Posted on January 20, 2024 by Mark Cole

In the amazing journey of of life, we all encounter moments of pain, betrayal, and hurt. As followers of Jesus, we are called to navigate these challenges with the transformative power of forgiveness, letting go of past hurts, and embracing the future with hope. Let’s explore the profound teachings from the Bible that guide us on journey of healing.

1. All Things Work Together for Good:

   One comforting assurance as we navigate the path of forgiveness and healing is found in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” This verse is a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the midst of our pain and struggles, God is at work, weaving every circumstance together for our ultimate good.

2. Forgetting What is Behind:

   In Philippians 3:13-14, the apostle Paul encourages believers to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” This verse reminds us that dwelling on past hurts can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from reaching the goals God has set before us.

3. Forgiving Others:

   Jesus Himself emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Jesus highlights the reciprocal nature of forgiveness – as we forgive, we open ourselves to receive God’s forgiveness and experience His grace.

4. Be Kind and Compassionate:

   Ephesians 4:31-32 offers guidance on the attitude we should cultivate as we seek to forgive and let go of past hurts: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This verse reminds us that forgiveness is rooted in the kindness and compassion God has shown us.

5. Behold, I Am Doing a New Thing:

   When it comes to embracing the future with hope, Isaiah 43:18-19 provides a beautiful promise: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” This passage encourages us to trust in God’s plan for our lives, allowing Him to lead us into a new season filled with hope and possibilities.

As believers, forgiveness, letting go of past hurts, and embracing the future with hope are integral to our spiritual journey. Through the guidance of God’s Word, we can find strength, healing, and renewal. Let us heed the call to forgive as we have been forgiven, releasing the burdens of the past and stepping into the future with hearts full of hope, guided by the unwavering love of our Heavenly Father.

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Worship Leaders: The Power of A Smile

Posted on January 16, 2024 by Mark Cole

As worship leaders, our role extends beyond playing notes and leading melodies; we are called to create an atmosphere that fosters a deep connection with God. One often overlooked, yet incredibly powerful, aspect of this is the simple act of smiling. Let’s explore the profound impact a genuine smile can have on your congregation and the worship experience.

1. The Universal Language of Joy: Smiles are the universal language of joy. When you, as a worship musician, smile genuinely, you communicate a message of warmth, positivity, and approachability. This creates an inviting atmosphere where worshippers feel a sense of comfort and ease.

2. Connecting with Your Congregation: A smile is a powerful tool for building connections. As a worship leader, your goal is to connect with your congregation on a spiritual and emotional level. A smile bridges the gap between the stage and the pews, making the worship experience more intimate and relatable.

3. Reflecting God’s Love: Your smile is a reflection of the joy that comes from a deep relationship with God. When you smile during worship, you convey the love and peace that only God can provide. This authentic expression becomes a visual representation of the joy found in His presence.

4. Creating a Positive Environment: Worship environments should be uplifting and positive. Your smile sets the tone for the entire congregation, encouraging a spirit of celebration and thanksgiving. A positive atmosphere enhances the worship experience and makes it more memorable for everyone involved.

5. Encouraging Participation: Smiles are contagious. When worshippers see you genuinely enjoying the music and the worship experience, they are more likely to engage actively. Your positive energy becomes an encouragement for others to participate wholeheartedly in the worship service.

6. Expressing Gratitude: A smile is a powerful way to express gratitude to God and the congregation. It communicates appreciation for the opportunity to lead worship and gratitude for the worshippers who have gathered. Your joyful countenance becomes an offering of thanks to the One you are worshipping.

In worship leading, your smile is a vibrant thread that weaves together the music, the congregation, and our love for the Lord. Embrace the radiant power of a genuine smile as you lead God’s people, and watch how it transforms the atmosphere, creating a space where hearts are open, spirits are lifted, and God’s presence is truly celebrated.

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The Power Of Change

Posted on January 16, 2024 by Mark Cole

One of the great challenges in life is change. This can vary from learning the new features on your smart phone, to adapting to new styles of music and to seeing your children as adults and parents, not just your kids.

change wordle

Music in church has changed significantly since I started doing it full-time in the 70’s. When I started there was no ‘Praise and Worship’ movement. For me, it has been fun to change my musical styles as music has changed. I started out as a sax player who played in the band, to a choir and orchestra conductor, to a piano player who led worship and now I mostly lead worship on guitar.

Some people don’t like change. Personally, I like to grow and change. It keeps life fresh and interesting. I love to learn new music. I love to learn new skills and instruments. I love to travel to new places. I love to meet new people.

I don’t want to change just for change sake. There are certain things in my life that will never change. Things like, my trust and love for God, my respect and devotion for the Bible, my vow of marriage to my wife. But in other areas, change can be good.

I loved it when I stopped scoring music by hand and changed to writing music on the computer. I love the change from leading worship on piano to leading on acoustic guitar. One instrument is not better than the other, but leading on acoustic just works better for today’s music.

I love that God changes us and we become new creations. I also appreciate that God changes us through the trials and tests that we go through. I love that we change as we grow in the Lord and become more and more like Him. I am glad that God loves us too much to let us stay the same.

Question: Are you adaptable and changeable? Are you growing in the Lord? Are you better this year then you were last year? Musicians, are you growing and adapting?

My favorite Bible verses on change:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ~ II Corinthians 5:17

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ~ I John 1:9

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. ~ Ecclesiastes  3:1

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. ~ James 1:17

And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” ~ Revelations 21:5

Great is God’s faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. ~ Lamentations 3:23

Check out my new book.. “Leading Worship ~ Notes from a Grand Adventure’ available in Kindle or Soft Cover Editions.  This is a great gift for the musician or worshipper in your life.

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Walking in Love: Understanding What God Loves

Posted on January 15, 2024 by Mark Cole

The teachings of Jesus provide profound insights into the heart of God and reveal the things that are dear to Him. As followers of Christ, understanding what God loves becomes a guiding light in our journey of faith. Let’s explore some key teachings of Jesus that illuminate the aspects of life and character that God holds dear.

1. Love for God and Others: Jesus, in Matthew 22:37-39, summarizes the greatest commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” God deeply loves when His children wholeheartedly love Him and extend that love to others.

2. Mercy and Forgiveness: In Matthew 5:7, Jesus says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” God’s love is evident in acts of mercy and forgiveness. As His followers, we are called to extend the same grace we have received to others.

3. Humility and Servanthood: Jesus, in Mark 10:45, emphasizes a key principle of God’s love: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” God delights in humility and a servant’s heart, as demonstrated by Christ’s example.

4. Repentance and Seeking God: In Luke 15:7, Jesus shares the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. God’s love is manifested when His children turn to Him in genuine repentance, seeking a relationship with their Heavenly Father.

5. Faith and Trust: Jesus often commended faith and trust in God. In Matthew 8:10, He marveled at the centurion’s faith, saying, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” God loves when His children trust Him with childlike faith, believing in His goodness and sovereignty.

As we open our hearts to the teachings of Jesus, may we strive to embody the qualities that God loves. Loving Him with all our hearts, showing mercy, embracing humility, repenting when needed, and trusting in His divine plan are pathways to experiencing the depth of God’s love. Let us continually seek to align our lives with these principles, living and walking in love as Jesus taught us.

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12 Bible Verses That Encourage, Inspire and Motivate

Posted on January 13, 2024 by Mark Cole

Let’s embark on an exploration into the heart of faith by delving into twelve inspiring Bible passages that have provided enduring solace, unwavering guidance, and immense strength to generations of Christians. May these ancient texts deepen your connection with God and serve as a continual source of inspiration in your daily walk with the Lord.

1. Embrace Your Source of Strength

   I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

   As Christians, we draw our strength from Christ, acknowledging that through Him, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way.

2. Find Comfort in Life’s Journey

   The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. – Psalm 23:1 (ESV)

   This Psalm reassures us that the Lord is our ever-present guide, providing comfort and abundance on life’s journey.

3. Hope for a Bright Future

   “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

   God’s promise of a future filled with hope resonates deeply, reminding us of His loving and purposeful plans for our lives.

4. Discover Meaning in Challenges

   And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:28 (NIV)

   This passage assures us that even in the midst of challenges, God is working for our ultimate good, fulfilling His purpose in our lives.

5. Trust God’s Unseen Path

   Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge to Him, and He will direct your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJ)

   Proverbs teaches us to trust in the Lord’s guidance, acknowledging that His ways are higher than our own and that submitting to Him leads to His purposeful path.

6. Renew Your Strength through Waiting

   But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

   The promise of renewed strength through patient waiting on the Lord echoes the importance of steadfast faith in our journey with God.

7. Discover Rest for the Weary Soul

   Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

   Jesus extends a loving invitation to find rest in Him, offering solace for the weary hearts of His followers.

8. Unveil the Power of Enduring Love

   Love is patient, love is kind… It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

   The enduring nature of love, beautifully articulated by the Apostle Paul, reflects God’s boundless and unwavering love for His children.

9. Cultivate Virtues for a Fulfilling Life

   But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. – Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

   Paul’s letter to the Galatians guides us in cultivating virtues that align with the God’s Spirit, fostering a life that reflects the character of Christ.

10. Seek God’s Path to Truth

    Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. – John 14:6 (NIV)

    In John’s Gospel, Jesus declares His centrality, emphasizing that our journey to the Father is only through Him, the way, the truth, and the life.

11. Embrace God’s Unchanging Nature

    Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. – Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

    The immutable constancy of Jesus provides assurance in a changing world, grounding us in the unchanging love and faithfulness of our Savior.

12. Hold Fast to the Armor of God

    Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. – Ephesians 6:11 (NIV)

    Paul’s letter to the Ephesians encourages us to equip ourselves with God’s armor, standing firm against spiritual challenges and embracing the strength found in His protection.

May these verses further enrich and encourage your spiritual journey, serving as pillars of strength, hope, and guidance in our Christian walk. May you find deep inspiration and comfort in the enduring wisdom of God’s Word.

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