Simple Worshipper
"I'm designed to improve things...but I need the ability to 'turn it off.'"
Ally Headstock
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THIS WEEK'S FERTILIZER
Simple love & pure devotion
The Sound of Breaking
ASK YOURSELF
Transforming Worship

Do I SEE God at work every time we gather for worship?

Does my life and leadership REVEAL God?
 
Do I lead people into DEEPER relationship with God?
 
Will I ENDURE as a leader?
 
Do I EQUIP and ENCOURAGE artists that team with me?
 
Do I walk in my CALLING with focused passion?
 
Do I build COMMUNITY with other worship leaders?
 
Am I truly CONNECTED to my own heart?
 
Do I walk around with a WIDE grin on my face? :-D
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Greetings!   
 
I'm designed to improve things.  That's how I'm built, how I see things, how I listen, watch, and think.  Sometimes that makes worshipping [when I'm not leading] a real challenge.  I remember saying once, "I want to be one of those simple worshippers that can just go for it no matter how uncool the music is, how whack the sound is, how whatever the whatever is."  I remember seeing people next to me being lost in expressive love to Jesus, when I was being totally aware of the dynamics and technicalities of the music or sound.  I needed the ability to "turn it off."  Now, get this - I'm not a judgmental person, but by design [and by training] I pick up on things that could improve.  That can't control me when I'm choosing to worship God...I won't let it derail me.  Our worship is a response to the revelation of God, and I must be pure in heart to see Him.  It's a choice...that becomes easier the more I practice it.  I'm certainly not always there yet.  I would love to see a world full of worshippers who will worship for... apparently no reason.  ;0
 the letter s by leo reynolds 
 
imple love & pure devotion to Jesus
 
In the early 90's, when I was first learning to lead from a worshipping heart, I remember Kent Henry saying that what we always need more of is simple devotion to Jesus.  That really stuck.  In fact, it's one of Ad Lib Music's core values: Inspiring simple love and pure devotion to Jesus.  So as much as I want us to serve well, to be excellent at what is good, to make better music than we've ever heard on the radio, to hone our craft, to do our personal best... I want us SO MUCH MORE to be simple worshippers who regularly get lost in abandoned expressions of love and adoration to our Savior.
 
The Hoover Dam at nighttime by slworking2The Sound of Breaking
 
One of my favorite books is by worship leader David Crowder.  It's called Praise Habit.  The analogy is that we put on praise like a nun puts on her habit.  There's something defining about it, something set apart, something purposeful.  Here's a little seed to sow into your simple worshipper's heart...
 

Where were the God moments? Where was Living Praise?
Did praise happen? Could praise happen?
What if it did? Were opportunities missed?
Was praise just beneath the surface? Could it be a flood?

Maybe it's just dammed?
 
Maybe if the dam burst we would drown in it.
Do we dare pick up a sledgehammer and start swinging?
It could be difficult. It could wear at you. This could be hard labor.
I don't know if I have the back for it.
And I think I like my water in smaller doses.
I like the sound of the drip.
 
But there is cracking in my lips and they bleed when I smile.
My hands are dry to the touch. So dry I can't feel them anymore.
 
[ ]
 
Pick it up? It is needed? It is what is necessary?
 
[ ]
 
I want to drown. I want a different air than what I've been breathing. I will swing.
I will swing with all my might.
I will swing until there is the sound of breaking.
 
I will swing.
Over and Over and Over and Over and Over and Over and Over and Over and Over and Over...
 
[from PRAISE HABIT by David Crowder, pg. 19]
 
Dave HelmuthYou are receiving this email because at some point in your journey, Dave Helmuth, Ad Lib Music, or someone connected to us, helped you grow in your relationship with the LORD through worship. If you ever find this resource unhelpful, simply unsubscribe below and continue on your merry way.
 
Ánimo!

Dave Helmuth
Ad Lib Music
...coaching and resourcing for the worship arts
409 Wiconisco Street . Harrisburg, PA  17110
Phone - 717.468.6428
www.AdLibMusic.com
AOL IM: adlib247
 
Ánimo: courage, refresh, transform, bring to life, encourage,
inspire, intentionally cheer up, come on, it's not far now, animate!