Musicians: Boost Your Discipline

Posted on May 31, 2023 by Mark Cole

Discipline is a crucial aspect of musicianship and can greatly impact your progress and growth as a musician. Here are some tips to help you become more disciplined in practicing and improving your musical skills:

  1. Set specific goals: Clearly define your musical goals, both short-term and long-term. Break them down into smaller, achievable milestones that you can work towards. This will give you a sense of direction and motivation.
  2. Create a practice schedule: Establish a regular practice routine and stick to it. Set aside dedicated time each day for practice, even if it’s just 15 minutes. Consistency is key, and having a schedule will help you build discipline over time.
  3. Start with warm-up exercises: Begin each practice session with warm-up exercises to get your fingers, voice, or any other relevant muscles warmed up. This will help improve your technique and prevent injuries.
  4. Focus on fundamentals: Dedicate a portion of your practice time to mastering the foundational elements of your instrument or voice. This includes scales, arpeggios, sight-reading, rhythm exercises, and other fundamental techniques. Strong fundamentals provide a solid base for advanced skills.
  5. Break down complex pieces: If you’re working on a challenging piece of music, break it down into smaller sections and practice them separately. Once you’ve mastered each section, gradually piece them together. This approach makes difficult music more manageable and builds your confidence.
  6. Practice in different ways: Mix up your practice routine to stay engaged and prevent monotony. Besides playing or singing through pieces, try techniques such as slow practice, mindful practice, and practicing with a metronome. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you.
  7. Keep a practice journal: Maintain a practice journal to track your progress and identify areas that need improvement. Write down specific challenges, solutions you’ve discovered, and goals for your next practice session. This will help you stay organized and focused.
  8. Find an accountability partner: Partner up with a fellow musician, mentor or teacher who can hold you accountable for your practice. Share your goals and progress with them, and consider scheduling regular check-ins or practice sessions together. Mutual support and encouragement can boost discipline.
  9. Minimize distractions: When you’re practicing, try to eliminate distractions as much as possible. Put away your phone or any other potential distractions that can interrupt your focus. Create a dedicated, quiet space where you can concentrate on your music.
  10. Stay motivated: Find ways to stay motivated throughout your musical journey. Celebrate small victories, seek inspiration from other musicians, attend live performances, and remind yourself of the reasons why you love music. Book yourself for live performances, they will keep you extremely motivated to practice. Remember that discipline and passion go hand in hand.

Remember, discipline is built through consistent effort over time. By implementing these strategies and maintaining a positive mindset, you can enhance your discipline and make significant progress in your musical abilities.

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 via PayPal here.

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What Does The Bible Say About Waiting For The Lord?

Posted on May 29, 2023 by Mark Cole

The Bible provides several teachings about waiting for the Lord. Here are a few key aspects:

  1. Trust and Patience: The Bible encourages believers to trust in the Lord and wait patiently for His timing. Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” This verse emphasizes the importance of developing patience and having confidence in God’s faithfulness.
  2. Seeking God’s Will: Waiting for the Lord involves seeking His will and direction. Psalm 25:4-5 states, “Make me to know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You, I wait all the day long.” It highlights the idea of surrendering to God’s guidance and desiring His wisdom while waiting.
  3. Active Trust: Waiting on the Lord doesn’t imply passivity but rather an active trust and obedience. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” While waiting, believers are encouraged to continue seeking God’s will and living according to His commands.
  4. Hope and Renewal: Waiting for the Lord involves cultivating hope and finding strength in Him. Isaiah 40:31 states, “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.” This verse emphasizes that those who wait upon the Lord can find renewed strength and endurance.
  5. God’s Perfect Timing: The Bible teaches that God works according to His perfect timing. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Sometimes, waiting for the Lord may involve enduring hardships or going through seasons of waiting, but the Scriptures remind believers that God’s timing is always perfect.

Overall, waiting for the Lord involves trusting in His faithfulness, seeking His will, actively obeying His commands, cultivating hope, and recognizing that His timing is best. It is a posture of patient expectation and reliance on God’s guidance and provision.

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 via PayPal here.

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What Does The Bible Say About Jesus’ purpose?

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Mark Cole

Jesus speaks about His purpose in several instances throughout the New Testament. Here are some key statements made by Jesus regarding His purpose:

  1. Luke 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Jesus expresses His purpose as the mission to seek out and save those who are lost in sin and separated from God.
  2. Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Jesus states that His purpose includes serving others and offering His life as a ransom to bring redemption and salvation to many.
  3. John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus contrasts Himself with the thief (representing evil) and declares that His purpose is to give people abundant and fulfilling life.
  4. John 18:37: “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth.” Jesus affirms that He was born and came into the world to bear witness to the truth, emphasizing His role as the embodiment of truth and the revealer of God’s purposes.
  5. Matthew 20:28: “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Jesus reiterates His purpose of selfless service and sacrifice, highlighting His willingness to give His life as a ransom for many.
  6. John 12:46: “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness.” Jesus identifies Himself as the light that has come into the world, offering deliverance from spiritual darkness through faith in Him.

These statements illustrate that Jesus’ purpose involved seeking and saving the lost, serving others, offering His life as a ransom, revealing the truth, bringing abundant life, and being the light that dispels darkness. His ultimate purpose was to reconcile humanity to God and provide salvation through His sacrificial death and resurrection.

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What does the Bible say about fighting Satan?

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Mark Cole

Christians are taught to fight against Satan through various means, as outlined in the Bible. Here are some key teachings on how Christians can resist and combat the influence of Satan:

  1. Prayer: Christians are encouraged to engage in fervent and persistent prayer. Prayer allows believers to communicate with God, seek His guidance, and ask for His protection against the schemes of the Devil (Ephesians 6:18-19, Matthew 26:41).
  2. Scripture and Truth: Christians are called to immerse themselves in the Word of God, the Bible. Scripture serves as a source of truth and provides guidance for discerning right from wrong. It equips believers to resist temptation and combat false teachings (Ephesians 6:17, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
  3. Put on the Armor of God: Christians are instructed to put on the spiritual armor of God, described in Ephesians 6:10-18. This metaphorical armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (which is the Word of God). This armor represents various aspects of faith, righteousness, truth, and preparedness in spiritual battle.
  4. Resist Temptation: Christians are urged to resist the Devil and his temptations. James 4:7 states, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” By relying on God’s strength, believers can stand firm against temptation and choose to follow God’s ways (1 Corinthians 10:13).
  5. Seek Fellowship and Accountability: Christians are encouraged to surround themselves with fellow believers, forming a community of support and accountability. Together, they can encourage one another, pray for each other, and provide mutual support in the face of spiritual battles (Hebrews 10:24-25, Galatians 6:1-2).
  6. Stay Vigilant and Discerning: Christians are called to be watchful and discerning, aware of the Devil’s tactics and the potential dangers of false teachings. They are to test everything against the truth of God’s Word and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 5:8, 1 John 4:1).
  7. Rely on the Power of Christ: Ultimately, Christians are reminded that their strength comes from Christ. By having a personal relationship with Jesus, relying on His grace and power, they can overcome the influence of Satan. The victory has already been won through Christ’s death and resurrection (Philippians 4:13, 1 John 5:4).

It is important to note that the battle against Satan is not fought in one’s own strength but in dependence on God. Christians are called to trust in God’s power, follow His guidance, and lean on the resources He provides to overcome the schemes of the enemy.

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What does the Bible say about the Devil?

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Mark Cole

The Bible provides insights into the character and purpose of the Devil, also known as Satan. Here are some key descriptions and teachings about the Devil from the Bible:

  1. Fallen Angel: The Devil is depicted as a fallen angel who rebelled against God. He was originally created as a powerful and beautiful angel but became corrupted due to his pride and desire for autonomy (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:12-17).
  2. Deceiver and Father of Lies: The Devil is described as a deceiver who disguises himself and his intentions. He seeks to lead people astray from God’s truth and promotes falsehood (John 8:44, 2 Corinthians 11:14).
  3. Adversary: The Devil is portrayed as an adversary of both God and humanity. He opposes God’s plans and seeks to hinder the work of believers. He is described as a roaring lion, seeking to devour and destroy (1 Peter 5:8).
  4. Tempter: Satan tempts individuals, enticing them to sin and turn away from God. He exploits human weaknesses and desires in order to lead people astray (Matthew 4:1-11, 1 Thessalonians 3:5).
  5. Accuser: The Devil is referred to as the accuser of believers, constantly seeking to bring charges against them before God. He seeks to condemn and discourage God’s people (Revelation 12:10).
  6. Prince of this World: The Devil is described as having a certain degree of authority and influence in this fallen world. However, his power is ultimately limited and temporary, as Jesus has triumphed over him through His death and resurrection (John 12:31, Colossians 2:15).
  7. Defeated Foe: The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the Devil. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus has conquered sin, death, and the Devil. The ultimate destiny of Satan and his followers is eternal punishment (Hebrews 2:14-15, Revelation 20:10).

It is important to note that while the Devil is a powerful and influential figure, Christians are encouraged to resist him, relying on the strength and protection of God (James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:9). Believers are also reminded that greater is He who is in them (the Holy Spirit) than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

For more insight on defeating Satan, click on this link: What Does The Bible Say About Fighting Satan?

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New Life In Christ

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Mark Cole

In 2 Corinthians 5:17. Paul writes: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” What does he mean? To understand its meaning, let’s do a ‘quick dive’ into the verse in its broader context.

In this passage, the apostle Paul is discussing the transformation that occurs in the life of a person who becomes a follower of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that when someone is “in Christ,” meaning they have a personal relationship with Jesus and have surrendered their lives to Him, a profound change takes place.

The phrase “the new creation has come” refers to the spiritual rebirth and transformation that occurs in the life of a believer. It signifies that through faith in Christ, a person is spiritually renewed and becomes a new creation in God’s sight. This transformation is not merely an external change but a deep internal renewal of one’s nature and identity.

The subsequent statement, “The old has gone, the new is here,” signifies that the previous sinful nature and the patterns of behavior associated with it have been replaced by a new life in Christ. It emphasizes the idea of leaving behind the old way of living and embracing a new way of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

In essence, this verse highlights the transformative power of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. It speaks of the forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to live in accordance with God’s will and experience a renewed life. It signifies a radical shift from the old life dominated by sin and separation from God to a new life marked by righteousness, spiritual growth, and a deepening relationship with God.

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5 Things Jesus Would Say To The Gay Community

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Mark Cole

By Perry Noble & Robbie Green ~

There is a lot of noise on the news and in public forums about gay marriage and traditional values. Everyone has an opinion on what’s right and what’s wrong.

But what would Jesus say? How would Jesus address a gay man or a lesbian?

Looking through scripture, Jesus makes His thoughts fairly clear.

Five Things Jesus Says to the Gay Community:

What Would Jesus say

1. I love you.

Amidst the protest signs, yelling crowds and political referendums, the simple message of Jesus’ love for you is often drowned out. Never doubt that Jesus loves you more than you could ever know.

Jesus doesn’t just love a future version of you; He loves you exactly as you are right now. Jesus’ love for you has no prerequisites or requirements.

Even if you hate Him, Jesus loves you and wants what is best for you.

Love is at the core of everything Jesus taught. Unfortunately, His message of love has been conveniently left out by many who would rather make a point than make a difference  (John 3:16; 1 John 4:8-10; Romans 5:8; Psalm 86:15).

2. I understand rejection.

Jesus knows how it feels to be a social outcast.

You would think the religious leaders would have been His best friends, but they hated Him. They sought to kill Him and publicly shame Him any chance they had.

Eventually, the religious elite joined forces with local politicians and murdered Jesus in front of a cheering crowd.

Rejection hurts.

Jesus’ own family thought He was out of His mind; you probably understand how that feels. In Jesus’ greatest moment of need, His closest friends deserted Him.

You may feel rejected by society and the church right now, and that daily pressure takes a toll. Jesus understands.

His heart always breaks for the rejected and the outcast. Jesus wants to gather you in His arms and let you know that He loves you. You have a home with Jesus, you belong to Him and you are His child.

Don’t reject Him because He has not rejected you (Isaiah 53:3; Mark 3:20-21;Matthew 26:55-56; Matthew 27; Ezekiel 18:21-23).

3. I also was tempted.

Jesus was tempted in every way that we are tempted. He does not shame you or reject you because of your temptations and feelings.

He faced the same thing when He walked the earth. He never married, and faced daily pressure and temptation in every way imaginable.

Some like to pretend they are perfect and never face any struggles, but they’re lying. Jesus really was perfect and still faced temptation. He battled the desire to run away from His Father’s plan.

He understands what you are going through.

If you read about His life, you will see it was no cake walk, but if you will walk with Him and obey Him, you will find a greater reward than you could ever imagine (Hebrews 4:15-16; Hebrews 2:17-18; Hebrews 12:2-3, 7-11).

4. I want more for you.

God created marriage and sex for your enjoyment. Sex was created for one man and one woman within the covenant of marriage, and it has been that way from the beginning. Anything else is sin.

Sin is not a fun word or a comfortable topic, but Jesus will not stop bringing it to our attention because we will miss out on life with Him if sin is left unaddressed. You may think Jesus is trying to take the one thing you enjoy or spoil your fun, but that is not the case. The reason He clearly defined marriage and sex in the Bible is because He wants what is best for you.

Ignore the political arguments, the protestors and the yelling. Jesus wants you to trust Him.

Trust that He has good things in store for you. Trust that He wants what is best for you. Before you decide that what you feel is right, decide if you trust Him (Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 3:17-21; 1 Timothy 2:4).

5. I will be here for you.

You may disagree with Jesus’ thoughts on sex and marriage, but He will not turn away from you.

You may enjoy the life you live right now, even if it disagrees with the guidelines He laid out in scripture. Jesus understands your hesitation to make changes. He does not give up on us.

For a long time now, people have disagreed with Him, yelled at Him and run from Him, and He patiently waits. Jesus is patient with us because He wants you to know Him.

Jesus wants you to live the life He has planned for you. When you are worn out from doing things your way, He will be here. Turn to Him and ask for help, and He will be there before you can blink.

There is no permanent joy outside of Jesus.

Jesus wants what is best for you, and He wants you to experience a full life.

Jesus is not concerned with winning an argument or forcing you to do something you don’t want to do. Jesus wants you to know that your relationship with Him is better than anything else out there.

Until you reach that point, He will be here patiently drawing you to Himself (Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; 1 Peter 5:7; Hosea 14).

Article courtesy of NewSpring Church

The original post is here

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Top 10 Healing Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on May 15, 2023 by Mark Cole

By Adrian Warnock –

I offer these 10 tips, each with a do and a don’t, for the Christian who is sick and seeking healing. This comes from personal experience, and from being around charismatic churches who believe in spiritual healing my whole life. I hope the do’s and don’ts are full of faith and hope, but also a healthy dose of common sense and reality (which are sometimes sorely lacking in Christian circles). I hope these may be of some help to you, and if you have more suggestions do share with us all, as we are all learning together.

  1. When you are sick, do give yourself the grace you need and be gentle on yourself. Let yourself be sick, take the time you need to get better.
    • But don’t allow your sickness to dominate your personality, and define your existence. If you are in a chronic illness or prolonged recovery, learn how hard to push yourself so that you don’t get into a downward spiral of doing less and less, and hence getting worse, but equally don’t push yourself too hard. Nobody can tell you how hard that is: only trial and error will tell you.
  2. Do trust in the sovereignty of God, and that He is at work in your circumstances for your good, and that you might learn to be more like Him. 
    • But don’t let that trust turn into a stoic acceptance of sickness, which is never God’s ultimate best for you. We live in a fallen world and sickness is an alien invader we are to resist, not passively welcome.
  3. Do allow your sickness to prompt you to think about your own vulnerability, frailty and mortality.
    • But don’t let yourself become morbid and pre-occupied with fear of death. Remember there is always someone worse off than you, and always something to be grateful for. Find things to thank God for and do so!
  4. Do take the opportunity to approach sickness with hope, joy and to be a good witness of the work of God in you to others.
    • But don’t think you must always keep your ‘game face’ on. It’s OK to be weak, vulnerable and to accept the support of others. Jesus is not glorified when you fake it. Your light will shine through your weakness, not by trying to hide it.
  5. When people ask you how you are doing, try to be as positive as it is real to be: Not everyone wants a blow by blow account of your symptoms.
    • But don’t lie and pretend things are better than they are. Find some people you can be totally open with. You will know who your real friends are at a time like this: They are the people that turn up at your hospital bed, or you wish would be there, but for whatever reason can’t be.
  6. Do turn to God in prayer when you are sick.
    • But don’t let that stop you visiting doctors, and taking medicine: Take God’s healing whichever way He wants to give it to you! Medicine is as much a gift of God as a miraculous healing. After all, God gave doctors their skills so they can do His work of healing.
  7. Do keep on asking for prayer: Persistence in prayer is commended in Scripture.
    • But don’t feel obligated to receive prayer at every opportunity; sometimes well-meaning Christians may urge you to be prayed for and it just won’t feel right. You are not your illness.
  8. Do seek to grow your faith through this experience of suffering.
    • But don’t let yourself believe the lie that if you are not healed it is because you do not have enough faith!
  9. Do study the Scriptural promises that audaciously say God will heal you, and dare to believe them.
    • But don’t be disappointed or disillusioned if your healing is delayed by weeks, months, years or even decades.
  10. Do dare to believe that God wants to, can and WILL heal you.
    • But don’t forget that for the Christian, our real hope of healing goes beyond the grave to the great and glorious day when there will be no more sickness.

This article originally appeared here.

Adrian Warnock – adrianwarnock.com

Adrian Warnock is part of the leadership team of Jubilee Church, a growing multicultural church in London where he has preached regularly for more than ten years. His book, Raised With Christ – How The Resurrection Changes Everything was published by Crossway in 2010. A medical doctor by training, Warnock runs a popular Christian blog at adrianwarnock.com.

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Music Lessons: Do They Make You Smarter?

Posted on May 15, 2023 by Mark Cole

By Ford Barker –

Do music lessons make you smarter? This question is misleading. It is easier to address this question by rephrasing it. Do music lessons improve cognition? The answer is a resounding yes!

To elaborate, there are four basic components of cognition which are: attention, memory, perception, and cognitive flexibly. Music lessons improve each one of these components. The finding that “elementary school students in higher quality music education programs demonstrate a 20% improvement in standardized tests of English and math” provides an excellent illustration of this enhancement and a powerful endorsement for music education.

“Neuroscientists have demonstrated that learning to play a musical instrument or singing leads to changes in a child’s brain that make it more likely that they will reach their full cognitive and academic potential.” With this in mind, it is important to consider the following facts. Firstly, passively listening to music will not work, this requires active engagement in music making. Secondly, these benefits occur at any age, however, the younger the start the greater the effect.

It is interesting to note that a rather high percentage of professionals, such as medical doctors and lawyers, play a musical instrument. Perhaps their enhanced cognitive abilities acquired through the discipline of learning a musical instrument have facilitated their professional development?

“The theory of relativity occurred to me by intuition, and music is the driving force behind this intuition. My parents had me study violin from the time I was six. My new discovery is the result of musical perception” – Albert Einstein

Related Post: Playing for Time: Trending of Adult Piano Lessons

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What Does The Bible Say About A Pure Heart?

Posted on May 14, 2023 by Mark Cole

The Bible places a significant emphasis on having a clean and pure heart. In both the Old and New Testaments, God calls on His people to keep their hearts pure and free from sin.

For instance, in Psalm 51:10, King David prays to God, saying, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” This verse highlights the importance of asking God to purify our hearts, which can only be done through His divine power.

In the New Testament, Jesus also emphasizes the importance of having a pure heart. In Matthew 5:8, He says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” This verse suggests that only those who have a pure heart will be able to have a genuine relationship with God.

The Apostle Paul, a key figure in the New Testament, also speaks about the importance of having a clean heart. One example of this can be found in 2 Timothy 2:22, where Paul encourages Timothy to “flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” Here, Paul is urging Timothy to avoid sinful desires and to strive for purity of heart along with other believers.

Additionally, in James 4:8, it says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” This verse highlights the fact that having a pure heart is essential for having a close relationship with God.

Overall, the Bible teaches that having a clean and pure heart is vital for a fulfilling relationship with God and living a righteous life.

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