Because many of the worship songs we do come fairly easy to me, I must admit that it's easy for me to get into a routine where I can say "Oh, I'll figure it out on Thursday" or "Once we practice on Thursday, I'll be ready for Sunday".  While this may be the case, I think God might view that as laziness on my part.

Romans 12:11-12 (NLT)
Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.  Be glad for all God is planning for you.  Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.

I, as you know, am a very busy guy with all of my jobs and I can use that as an excuse, but I sense God challenging me to do more in how I spend my time with Him and how I lead this team and our church in worship for Him.

I was struck in Orlando this past week with the level of excellence that artists perform their songs for God.  They do it humbly and with a great deal of excellence.  From sharing insights to singing and playing, from lighting and video to sound, they do it all very well and for the Lord and it comes across in a mighty way as God uses them to draw people to Himself.

As I pondered all of this I found myself asking these questions:
    - How do we approach the way we lead worship in church?
    - Are we doing it from the heart?
    - Are we striving for excellence? 
    - Have we practiced and prepared enough to be ready to give our all to God or are we just doing enough to skate by?

I think if I'm being honest, I'd have to say that I've not given my all consistently.  I have come in some weeks just doing enough to skate by and I think each of us were being honest, we can probably say the same thing.

I bring this up not as a negative and to make us feel guilty, but as a challenge to give our all and not be lazy in our service to the Lord (Rom 12:11).  I want to challenge us to take our music seriously, to take your role on this team seriously and to give your all and very best to the Lord enthusiastically.  I believe that as we do this individually and together as a team, it will show and be a blessing to our church.  I also believe that God will be very pleased and bless our efforts.

May God bless you as you strive to give your all and very best to Him.

God bless,

Paul