BUSINESS AS USUAL'? i don't think so

Aaron, thanks for taking the initiative to begin this dialogue -- we want to hear perspectives from everyone.

what a PRIVILEGE to host amazing people with rich gifts that imparted fresh life to us. this was a major highlight to me. observing the humility, passion, and excellence exuded -- all to God's Glory -- was a rare inspiration to me. Pillars in the worship world such as Don Moen, Lenny LeBlanc, Paul Baloche, Carl & Leann Albrecht.....to name only a few.....who have served with faithfulness and longevity drawing from the deep well of salvation. that's where the power comes from. that same power which raised Jesus from the dead is available to anyone that falls on His mercy & grace. that's us!

our pursuit to serve God is not just a job. it is a calling. an appointment, we're commissioned by God. chosen. i was reminded to honor that call. not take it for granted. fan the flame. pursue the qualities that take us from mere musicians to vessles of Almighty God.

Dr. Pete Sanchez challenged me in this direction. Reminding us that discipline is a key in developing into a 'vessel of honor'. not pursuing fads, fame or fair-weather commitments....but going deep with an aim to know God. pursue Jesus. live in the power of the Holy Spirit. this is the substance that we need. the world needs. not a counterfeit, superficial presentation of a temporal gift or opinion.

If you know & sense that your life lacks power and passion, i encourage you to check with Exalt to borrow or buy this session by Dr. Sanchez on the natural & spiritual disciplines of an effective 'minister' in worship. i'm not just talking about 'the worship leaders'. but any and all facets of exalt ministry -- or ANY ministry. the more we all see ourselves as leaders under God's reign, the more powerful and effective our praise, worship and lives will become.

finally, in response to Aaron's post re: what Christ – obediently absorbing every drop of the wrath of God – has taken for us:

JESUS, OUR PROPITIATION
SINGLE KEY TO TRUE SALVATION
RELEASING US FROM EVERY CURSE ON EARTH

WE'VE BECOME HIS DESTINATION
NOT BY MIGHT OR MEDITATION
BUT LOVE FOR MAN & WOMAN, BOY & GIRL

LET'S RESPOND TO HIS INVITATION
BECOME HIS HOME IN THE MIDST OF CREATION
BE THE LIGHT HE WANTS TO SHOW THE WORLD

BE THE HOPE TO EVERY NATION
PEACE BEYOND IMAGINATION
WE WORSHIP, REFLECT HIS GLORY & HIS WORTH

.....just food for thought. reminding us that this is way beyond us. we join, together, to become part of His huge purposes for all generations.

thanks for doing this with us.

peace...............liz