How Loving God and Loving People Can Transform Your Life

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Mark Cole

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of success, wealth, and personal achievements. While these pursuits can bring temporary satisfaction, there’s something truly profound about a simple yet powerful principle: loving God and loving people. Let’s explore the blessings and benefits of “loving God and loving people”.

1. Inner Peace and Fulfillment:

One of the most significant blessings of loving God and loving people is the inner peace and fulfillment it brings. When we prioritize our relationship with God and make a conscious effort to show love and kindness to those around us, it fills our hearts with a sense of purpose and contentment. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in a deep spiritual connection.

2. Stronger Relationships:

Loving God and loving people fosters stronger and healthier relationships. Whether it’s within your family, among friends, or in your community or church, practicing love as a core principle can transform the dynamics of your interactions. It promotes understanding, forgiveness, and empathy, which are essential for building lasting bonds.

3. Personal Growth:

Loving God and loving people can serve as a catalyst for personal development. It challenges us to become better versions of ourselves, encouraging qualities like patience, humility, joy, peace, goodness and compassion.

4. Spiritual Growth:

Loving God is not just about religious rituals but about nurturing a deep and meaningful relationship with the LORD. Seeking God thru Bible reading, prayer and service to others can lead to spiritual growth. It provides a source of wisdom, guidance, and strength in navigating life’s challenges.

5. Impact on the Community:

In the pursuit of community health and growth, the act of loving people plays a vital role. When individuals within a community and a church are genuinely caring and supportive, it creates a positive atmosphere that attracts others. This can lead to growth and health, but more importantly, it creates a space where individuals can find solace and support.

6. Health and Well-Being:

Loving God and loving people can contribute to our personal health and well-being. Studies have shown that a sense of purpose and strong social connections are linked to better physical and mental health. Acts of kindness and service release endorphins, promoting well-being, peace, joy and purpose.

In a world often marked by division and strife, the simple yet profound principle of loving God and loving people stands as a beacon of hope. It offers inner peace, stronger relationships, personal and spiritual growth, and the potential to positively impact communities. 

Embracing this principle can lead to a life rich in blessings and benefits. So, let us endeavour to follow our goals of living healthy, following God with our whole hearts, and loving our families and communities through the transformative power of God’s love.

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Friendship with God: The Fear Factor

Posted on September 25, 2023 by Mark Cole

In the realm of spirituality and faith, the phrase “the fear of the Lord” can be perplexing. Fear typically invokes images of anxiety and dread, emotions we’d rather avoid. However, within the context of the Bible, the fear of the Lord takes on a profound and transformative role in strengthening our relationship with God. It’s not about trembling in terror but embracing a sense of reverence, awe, and respect for the the LORD. Let’s look at the path to become a friend of God.

1. Awe and Reverence

At its core, the fear of the Lord is about recognizing the majesty, holiness, and greatness of God. Psalm 111:10 tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding.” This profound sense of reverence reminds us of our place in the universe and humbles us before our Creator. As friends of God, this awe deepens our appreciation for the majesty of God.

2. Seeking Wisdom and Knowledge

Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” When we fear the Lord, we acknowledge that He possesses ultimate wisdom and understanding. This recognition motivates us to seek knowledge through His teachings in the Bible. It fuels our desire to understand His ways and grow in spiritual wisdom.

3. Turning from Sin

A healthy fear of the Lord prompts us to confront our own imperfections. Proverbs 16:6 tells us, “Through love and faithfulness, sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord, evil is avoided.” When we realize the holiness of God, we see how our sinful actions are incongruent with His nature. Consequently, this fear can lead to repentance—a turning away from sin. It is in this repentance that we find the pathway to reconciliation and forgiveness, strengthening our friendship with God.

4. Trust and Submission

Paradoxically, the fear of the Lord engenders trust and submission. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” It means trusting in His perfect wisdom and plans for our lives. It implies submission to His will because we believe that He knows what is best for us. This trust and submission are essential ingredients in a friendship based on faith.

5. Accountability

When we fear the Lord, we are reminded of our accountability to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:10 affirms, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” This accountability encourages us to live our lives with integrity, knowing that we will ultimately answer to Him. In our friendship with God, this sense of responsibility helps us maintain our commitment to His principles and values.

6. Deepening Relationship

“The fear of the Lord” doesn’t imply terror but reverence. Psalm 25:14 states, “The Lord confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them.” It encourages us to approach God with humility and awe. It reminds us of His authority while also acknowledging His love and grace. This deeper understanding fosters a genuine, profound friendship with God. We come to Him with reverence and reliance on His love and forgiveness.

7. Pursuit of Holiness

Ultimately, the fear of the Lord inspires a desire for holiness. 1 Peter 1:15-16 declares, “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'” It motivates us to lead lives that reflect His character and strive for righteousness. As friends of God, we aspire to emulate His attributes and principles, cultivating a friendship that is built on shared values.

In the intricate tapestry of our relationship with God, the fear of the Lord serves as a foundational thread, firmly grounded in His word. It is not about fear in the conventional sense, but about reverence, awe, and a deep respect for the LORD. As we embrace this biblical fear, we find ourselves on a journey toward a more profound and meaningful friendship with God. It is a friendship grounded in humility, wisdom, accountability, and the pursuit of holiness—a friendship that grows stronger with each step we take in awe of the His love and grace.

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Worship Keyboards: 12 Keys To Improving

Posted on September 24, 2023 by Mark Cole

So you’re playing keyboards for your worship band this Sunday! Here are some proven steps and practices to help you do a great job.

worship-keyboards

1. Download the charts & MP’3

  • Get your charts early. Start practicing as soon as the charts are available.
  • Download from PlanningCenter.com or other online sources. (Dropbox)
  • Put the charts on your iPad or print them off.
  • Download the MP3’s and make a playlist or use Planning Center’s Service app and Media player
  • Double check to see what keys you are playing in?
  • What key is the recording in? Transpose the MP3 if necessary. (Multitracks ‘Rehearsal Mix’ and PlanningCenter.com has an easy way to do this)

2. Listen to the original recordings

  • What is the keyboardist(s) playing on the recording?
  • What is the exact tempo?
  • When does the keyboard sit out?
  • What voicing is the player using?
  • What is the musical feel for this song?
  • Is this a song that is keyboard or guitar based?
  • What are the lead lines that are important for you to play?

3. What are the best sounds to use for this set?

  • Piano Sound
  • E-Piano sounds (Rhodes & FM)
  • Strings, Pads & Vox
  • B-3 sounds
  • Pipe Organ
  • Ethereal sounds
  • Bass sounds
  • Brass patches
  • Layering

4. What keyboards do you have?

Spend time with your keyboards and mark down your favourite patches and learn how to access them quickly. Create your own user settings.

I’ve used many different Yamaha, Roland, Nord, Korg and Kurzweil synths and pianos. Here is my post on some of my favorites.

5. Should you use computer based sounds?

  • Multitracks.com has great downloadable patches from most of the major worship recordings.  The patches are available for the all main computer based programs.
  • Mainstage ($30) is a comprehensive and inexpensive program from Apple that allows your computer to be your main source. Here is a great tutorial on how to use it. There is also a Facebook page that is a great way to stay current with great sounds: Mainstage Worship Sounds. Here is a link to a video of how Hillsong is using keys on tour.
  • Omnisphere ($500) is a next level computer based program with a huge array of sounds and controls.
  • Ableton ($100-$950) is a very advanced sequencing and sound program that is great for live music. It is available at multiple price points.
  • Here is a great link to help you understand how to set-up your midi keyboard with your computer.

6. Think through the set

  • What sounds do you need?
  • When do you need to change sounds?
  • When do you need to transition from one song to the next and what is the best way to do that?
  • Make corrections to the charts
  • What is the road map? Highlight repeats, D.S. and Coda.
  • Highlight your parts, where do you sit out and where do you solo?
  • Mark in the sounds you need.

7. Practice

  • Use a click or metronome, playing in time is huge!
  • Practice on the keyboard(s) you are using live (if possible)
  • If your church uses Multitracks Rehearsal Mix you can play along with the original keyboard player
  • Don’t overplay. Again listen to the recordings, how much is the original player actually playing?
  • Play with the recordings. This will help you play in context.

8. Use strong voicing.

  • Chord coloring: What is the best inversion and voicing for this song.
  • Open 5ths, Add2 (9), add4 (11), sus 4, Major 7, Major 9, Inversions
  • Develop your ear for new chords

9. Band rehearsal: Listen for your place in the song.

  • Are you leading or supporting?
  • Listen for the vocals. What do they need to help support them?
  • Listen to the guitar players. Don’t get in the way if it’s a guitar tune.
  • Don’t overplay the left hand, listen to what the bass player is doing.
  • Find your place in the sonic spectrum.

10. Memorize the tunes

11. Work on your stage presence

  • Sing along
  • Smile
  • Move
  • Look at the audience

12. Worship God

  • Go from just playing music to actually worshiping! Get beyond the music! The most important thing you can do is worship and express your love to God. 
  • The ‘Actions of Worship‘ are singing, playing, standing, lifting hands, clapping, shouting, dancing, bowing down and giving your life. How are you incorporating these into your worship time (in private and public)?

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 thru this PayPal account.

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12 Ways To Grow Your Worship Ministry

Posted on September 23, 2023 by Mark Cole

I love to help worship leaders and worship pastors grow and become all that God has called them to be. I hope these 12 keys (with links) challenge you like they challenge me. I have been leading worship and pastoring for over 30 years but I still go back to this list to see what I need to work on!

12. Develop your administrative skills

  • Are you creating timely schedules for your musicians and planning ahead on the church calendar?
  • Are your worship sets and services well-organized?
  • Does your worship teams get the song list and charts well in advance so they can be excellent?

11. Learn to run highly effective rehearsals

  • Are you spending enough time with the music to get past it and worship?
  • Are you giving your team all the tools they need to be successful?
  • Are you and your team memorizing the songs?

10. Learn to pick great worship songs

  • Are you teaching your congregation the great songs from around world?
  • Do you ever go outside your preferences in musical styles?
  • Are you developing a balanced repertoire of fast, medium and slow songs?

9. Develop a strong team

  • Do you have a system for bringing along new musicians?
  • Are you developing multiple musicians for each position?
  • Are you helping your team grow spiritually?

8. Be a great worshipper

  • Are you keeping it real? Be authentic, are you the same on and off the stage?
  • Are there areas in your life that are holding you back from God’s richest blessings?
  • Do you love the Lord with all your heart and are you a passionate worshipper?

7. Never stop growing

  • Are you practicing your singing and playing on a daily basis?
  • Are you taking lessons and improving your craft and leadership?
  • Are you changing and growing with the new trends, styles and songs?

6. Keep your heart soft and pliable before God

  • Have you learned to forgive and forgive again‘?
  • Do you have good friends who can speak into your life?
  • Do you have safeguards to keep you from falling into temptation?

5. Develop a good relationship with your pastor

  • Do you have a regular meeting with your pastor?
  • Are you supporting your pastor in private and public?
  • Have you ever had your pastor and his wife over for dinner?

4. Mentor the next generation of leaders

  • Are you looking for and developing the potential leaders on your team?
  • Are you giving room for new leaders to lead a song or worship time?
  • Jesus spent over 3 years developing His team, are you following His example?

3. Love the church like Jesus loves the church

  • Are you building God’s kingdom or yours?
  • Do you love the people you are leading?
  • Jesus laid down His life for us, are you willing to lay down your life?

2. Love your spouse and family

  • Are you carving out regular time in your schedule for your spouse and family?
  • Are you taking one day off per week?
  • When is the last time you had a date with your spouse?

1. Love and spend time with God daily

  • Are you reading your Bible daily?
  • Where is your secret place to meet with God?
  • How is your daily prayer life? Are you praying and obeying?

Here are some related posts:

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 help train 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this you can help by giving on this PayPal account.

Posted in Church, Family, God, Jesus, Leadership, Music, Wisdom, Worship | 2 Comments

The Heart of Worship: Loving God

Posted on September 18, 2023 by Mark Cole

In the world of music, especially within the realm of church worship, the role of a worship leader and their team is often seen as one that’s centered around musical talent, skill, and creating an atmosphere of praise and adoration. While these elements are undoubtedly important, there’s a deeper and more foundational aspect that lies at the core of true worship: loving God with all our hearts.

Let’s look at why it’s vital for worship leaders and teams to love God with all their hearts and how this love is the bedrock upon which authentic worship is built.

The Source of Inspiration

One cannot lead others to worship if they haven’t first encountered the living God themselves. Worship leaders who genuinely love God are inspired by their relationship with Him. This love serves as a wellspring of inspiration, leading to authentic and heartfelt expressions of worship. When our hearts are captivated by God’s love, it overflows into our music, our words, and our entire being.

A Passionate Pursuit

Loving God with all our hearts is not a passive endeavor; it’s an active and passionate pursuit. It’s the kind of love that drives us to seek Him daily, to spend time in His presence, and to meditate on His Word. Worship leaders who prioritize this pursuit are better equipped to lead others into a genuine encounter with God through music.

The Key to Connection

Music has a unique ability to touch the deepest parts of our souls. When worship leaders and teams love God passionately, their worship becomes more than just a performance—it becomes a bridge between the human heart and the divine. People can sense authenticity, and when they see worship leaders who are genuinely in love with God, it opens doors for others to connect with Him as well.

Pure Worship Flows from Pure Hearts

In the book of Matthew, Jesus teaches us that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). When our treasure is God Himself, our hearts are wholly invested in Him. Pure worship flows from pure hearts that are undivided in their devotion to God. This purity is what makes our worship acceptable and pleasing to Him.

Leading by Example

Worship leaders not only guide congregations in worship but also set an example of what it means to be a wholehearted worshiper. When they love God passionately, it encourages others to do the same. It fosters an atmosphere where people are not just singing songs but encountering the living God.

The Ultimate Goal

The ultimate goal is clear: to lead others in worship that is rooted in a profound love for God. Our role as a worship leaders is not just about making beautiful music; it’s about helping people connect with God on a deep and personal level.

The importance of worship leaders and teams loving God with all their hearts cannot be overstated. It’s the foundation upon which true worship is built, and it’s the key to leading others into a genuine encounter with the LORD.

As you continue your journey as a musician and a follower of Christ, may your love for God burn passionately, igniting the hearts of those you lead in worship, and may your worship always be a reflection of your wholehearted devotion to Him.

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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12 Steps To Grow In Wisdom

Posted on September 8, 2023 by Mark Cole

Becoming wiser is a lifelong journey that can be influenced by various factors and experiences. Here are some 12 steps and principles on your journey to wisdom.

1. Study Scripture: Dive into the Bible regularly and seek to understand its teachings. The Word of God is a rich source of wisdom and guidance.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

2. Prayerful Reflection: Set aside time for prayer and meditation. Reflect on your life, choices, and experiences in the light of your faith in God.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

3. Seek Wise Counsel: Connect with mentors or fellow believers who can share their insights and experiences with you. Learning from those who have walked the Christian path longer can be invaluable.

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety.” – Proverbs 11:14 (ESV)

4. Open to God’s Guidance: Stay open to the Holy Spirit’s leading in your life. Trust that God can provide wisdom and discernment in all aspects of your life.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” – John 14:26 (NIV)

5. Practice Love and Compassion: Emulate Christ’s love and compassion by striving to understand and help others. This is a path to both wisdom and spiritual growth.

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18 (NIV)

6. Serve Others: Get involved in serving your church and community. Practical acts of service can provide valuable lessons and deepen your faith and wisdom.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

7. Fellowship and Discussion: Engage in discussions with fellow believers. Sharing your faith and hearing different perspectives can expand your understanding of God’s Word.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

8. Learn from Mistakes: Understand that we all make mistakes, but through God’s grace, we can learn and grow from them.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

9. Healthy Living: Take care of your physical and mental health as part of stewarding the body God has given you. A healthy body and mind can better serve your spiritual growth.

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV)

10. Prioritize Family and Relationships: Show love and grace to your family and friends, just as Christ loves us. Building and maintaining strong, loving relationships can teach you valuable lessons.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

11. Live by Christian Values: Let your Christian values and principles guide your decisions and actions. This aligns your life with your faith and deepens your understanding of God’s will.

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

12. Trust in God: Ultimately, place your trust in God’s plan for your life. Seek His wisdom and guidance in all you do, knowing that He is the source of all wisdom.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Remember that wisdom is not a destination but a lifelong journey. Stay faithful, continue seeking God’s wisdom, and trust that He will lead you to a deeper understanding of all His ways.

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How Do You Evaluate Your Sunday Church Services?

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Mark Cole

A number of years back I started a system of evaluating all the details of our Sunday services.  There is so much going on Sunday mornings: parking, greeters, ushers, the coffee shop, sound, lighting, media, the worship team, worship songs, communion, announcements, offering, message, altar call, introductions, transitions, facility maintenance, prayer, discipleship, classes.. and the list goes on.

evaluate-games-3

In an effort to keep track and grow in service to our congregation, I developed a simple 10 question survey that I emailed out weekly to 50 people in our congregation. I used the automated online service SurveyMonkey.com (it is free if you only ask 10 questions).

The group that received the emails included elders, pastors, support staff, musicians, tech people and leaders in the congregation.  They would get an email Sunday morning on their smart phone. I wanted to get constructive feedback from mature Christians so we could improve and do a great job.

SurveyMonkey’s automated system would tabulate the evaluations and comments. Then we would review the results in our staff meetings and take the needed actions.

Here are the 10 questions:

1. How did you find your parking and pre-service experience?

2. How was ushering and greeting this morning?

3. How was your musical worship experience today?

4. How was the worship team and leader? Stage presence, passion, communication?

5. How was the overall sound level & quality? Volume, mix?

6. How was the media (video, lyrics, etc.) announcements and offering time?

7. Did this mornings message speak to you? Did it encourage or challenge you?

8. How was the Pastor’s delivery?

9. How was your altar and post-service experience (friendliness)?

10. What was your overall impression of church today?

After each question there would be a place to indicate an evaluation and also leave a comment.

Screen Shot 2015-03-23 at 10.17.24 AM

This simple evaluation system really helped identify problem areas and bring our Sunday gatherings to a higher level.

One note of caution: I learned to control the release of the weekly survey information so that it was only used for positive and not negative ends. Not everyone is ready for blunt feedback.

Question: How are you evaluating your Sunday services? What questions do you ask and how do you address problem areas?

Check out my Mark’s 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.

Posted in Church, Leadership, Music, Wisdom, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Seeking God’s Answers

Posted on August 18, 2023 by Mark Cole

In Matthew 7:7-8 – Jesus says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

In these verses, Jesus uses the imagery of asking, seeking, and knocking to convey the idea of persistence in prayer and seeking a relationship with God. The three actions—asking, seeking, and knocking—represent different levels of engagement with God:

Ask: This represents the act of presenting our needs and desires to God in prayer. It emphasizes the importance of bringing our requests before God, showing our dependence on Him and our willingness to communicate with Him.

Seek: Seeking goes beyond asking. It suggests a more active pursuit of understanding and knowledge of God’s will. It implies a genuine effort to grow in faith, explore His teachings, and discover His plans for our lives.

Knock: Knocking signifies the act of persistently seeking a deeper connection with God. It involves actively engaging with Him and showing a desire to enter into a more profound relationship. Just as knocking on a door requires effort and persistence, seeking God’s presence and wisdom requires a continuous and sincere pursuit.

The promise attached to these actions is that for those who engage in them with a sincere heart, God responds. The passage assures that if we earnestly ask, seek, and knock, God will answer, reveal Himself, and open doors of understanding and opportunity. However, it’s important to remember that the timing and manner of God’s response might not always align with our expectations, as His ways are higher than ours.

Matthew 7:7-8 encourages believers to approach their relationship with God with faith, persistence, and a sincere heart, trusting that God will provide what is best for them according to His divine wisdom and timing.

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Thriving In Your 60’s

Posted on August 17, 2023 by Mark Cole

Turning your 60s into the best decade of your life involves a combination of physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this stage of life:

1. Stay Active and Healthy:

   – Regular exercise: Engage in activities that promote flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health. Activities like walking, swimming, stretching, intimacy with your spouse, pickleball, or gentle weight lifting can be beneficial.

   – Balanced diet: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated and watch your portion sizes.

   – Regular check-ups: Schedule regular visits to your healthcare providers for screenings, vaccinations, and preventive care.

   – Recognize your body as belonging to God: Embrace a healthy lifestyle, exercising and nourishing your body as an act of stewardship for the gift God has given you.

   – Gratitude for health: Approach your physical well-being with thankfulness, recognizing that your body is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

2. Maintain Mental Agility:

   – Lifelong learning: Engage in activities that challenge your mind, such as reading, puzzles, games, or taking up new hobbies. Seek wisdom and understanding through the study of Scripture and other faith-related materials.

   – Social interactions: Stay socially active by participating in clubs, church, classes, dates with your spouse or groups that align with your interests and purpose.

   – Transformation of the mind: Allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind, guiding your thoughts and actions in alignment with God’s will (Romans 12:2).

3. Embrace a Positive Attitude:

   – Practice gratitude: Cultivate a sense of gratitude for the experiences and relationships in your life. This can lead to increased happiness and life satisfaction.

   – Focus on the present: Be mindful of the present moment and avoid dwelling on regrets or worrying excessively about the future.

   – Rejoice in the Lord: Cultivate joy in your heart by focusing on your relationship with God and His blessings in your life (Philippians 4:4).

   – Contentment: Develop contentment by placing your trust in God’s plan and His provision for you (1 Timothy 6:6-7).

4. Nurture Relationships:

   – Family and friends: Spend quality time with loved ones, whether it’s your spouse, children, grandchildren, or close friends. Prioritize family connections and create a legacy of faith for the generations to come (Proverbs 22:6).

   – Forge new connections: Join clubs, church small groups or volunteer organizations to meet new people and create meaningful connections.

   – Love and serve others: Embrace Christ’s commandment to love your neighbors as yourself, investing in relationships and showing compassion (Matthew 22:39).

5. Explore New Passions:

   – Pursue hobbies: Use this time to delve into interests you may not have had time for earlier in life. This could be painting, gardening, music, writing, or any other creative pursuit.

   – Travel: Explore new destinations and cultures, whether it’s local day trips or international adventures.

   – Discover God’s calling: Seek guidance from God in discovering new passions and interests that align with His purpose for your life.

   – Share God’s love: Use your interests and talents as opportunities to share Christ’s love and message with those you encounter (1 Peter 3:15).

6. Give Back:

   – Volunteering: Find opportunities to give back to your community and church through volunteering. Contributing your skills and experience can be immensely fulfilling.

   – Compassionate giving: Serve others selflessly, following Jesus’ example of servant leadership and demonstrating God’s love through your actions (Matthew 20:28).

   – Generosity: Use your resources to bless others, remembering that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).

7. Financial Planning:

   – Financial stewardship: Review your financial situation. Trust in God’s provision and practice wise financial management, recognizing that He is the ultimate source of abundance (Philippians 4:19).

   – Seek God’s will: Seek God’s guidance in financial decisions and plans, acknowledging Him in all your ways (Proverbs 3:5-6).

8. Stay Tech-Savvy:

   – Embrace technology: Stay up-to-date with technology, as it can help you stay connected with loved ones, access information, and even pursue new interests.

9. Self-Care:

   – Rest and relaxation: Make sure to get enough sleep and take breaks when needed to recharge, take a day off every week.

   – Manage stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, trusting God, memorizing scripture or exercise.

10. Gratitude and Thankfulness:

   – Cultivate gratitude: Develop a habit of gratitude for God’s grace, blessings, and the gift of salvation through Jesus (Colossians 3:15-17).

   – Thanksgiving in prayer: Approach God with thanksgiving in your prayers, acknowledging His goodness and faithfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

11. Goals and Purpose:

    – Reflect and set goals: Take time to reflect on what you believe God wants you to achieve in this stage of life. Set goals that align with your purpose and values.

    – Align yourself with God’s will for your life: Ask God to make this season of your life filled with great purpose and fulfillment. 

Approaching your 60’s involves integrating your faith into your daily life, seeking to glorify God in all you do. By aligning your actions, thoughts, and relationships with biblical principles, you can experience spiritual growth, deepened relationships, and a great sense of purpose and fulfillment in this stage of life.

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14 Great Practice Tips for Budding Musicians

Posted on July 27, 2023 by Mark Cole

Practicing regularly and effectively is crucial for any budding musician looking to improve their skills. Here are some great tips to help you establish a productive practice routine:

1. Set Specific Goals: Define clear and achievable objectives for each practice session. Whether it’s mastering a new song, improving a specific technique, or working on your music theory, having specific goals will keep you focused and motivated.

2. Create a Schedule: Establish a consistent practice schedule that fits into your daily routine. Even if you can only spare 15-30 minutes a day, regular short practice sessions are more effective than irregular long sessions.

3. Start Slowly, Then Increase Tempo: When learning a new piece or technique, start at a slow tempo to build accuracy and muscle memory. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable and confident.

4. Practice Mindfully: Avoid mindlessly going through the motions. Stay present and attentive during practice, focusing on the areas that need improvement. Concentrated and mindful practice is more effective than just playing through pieces.

5. Warm-Up Exercises: Begin each practice session with warm-up exercises to prepare your muscles and fingers for playing. Warm-ups can help prevent injuries and enhance your overall performance.

6. Break It Down: If a piece seems overwhelming, break it down into smaller sections or challenging parts. Master each section individually, then put them together gradually.

7. Record Yourself: Use a recording device to capture your practice sessions. Listening back to your performance can help you identify areas that need improvement and track your progress over time.

8. Vary Your Practice Routine: Balance your practice sessions by incorporating different elements such as scales, exercises, songs, improvisation, and sight-reading. This variety keeps things interesting and ensures you develop a well-rounded skill set.

9. Seek Guidance: If possible, get feedback from a music teacher, mentor, or fellow musician. They can offer valuable insights, correct mistakes, and provide guidance on how to improve further.

10. Stay Patient and Persistent: Progress in music takes time, and there will be challenges along the way. Stay patient with yourself and celebrate small victories. Consistent and persistent effort will yield results.

11. Join Musical Communities: Connect with other musicians and join musical communities, either in person or online. Join your church worship team. Collaborating with others, attending jams, or participating in workshops can be inspiring and motivating.

12. Listen to Music: Take the time to listen to a wide variety of music, not just within your preferred genre. Listening to different styles and artists can expand your musical horizons and inspire new ideas.

13. Find Places to Perform: Setting up places to perform: whether recitals, church services, coffee shops, family events or street corners provide great motivation to practice.

14. Stay Healthy: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Proper rest, a balanced diet, and staying mentally fresh can significantly impact your practice sessions and creativity.

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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