True Worship

I made it!  My first CD, True Worship, is finally complete!  The date for the concert is set and the planning for October 17, 2014, is underway!  If you are wondering what is most valuable lesson I’ve learned throughout this process,  the answer is the following statement: “God is Adonai”.  Now, let me explain.

This journey has been one of the most difficult paths to travel.  I’ve learned how to deal with problems, discouragement, disappointment, negativity, and anything else you can think of.  When you decide to tackle a huge project, such as starting your own record label and recording a CD, the first thing you must overcome is extreme resistance.  You learn to keep moving forward when you are told “no” and you learn how to keep yourself encouraged as the whole project looks as if it will crumble into teeny tiny pieces at any moment.  The reason you are able to continue moving forward is because of your faith in the Lord.  I try to be intelligent, capable, intuitive, forgiving, innovative, and I always try to learn from my mistakes.  But on my best day, I need a Savior.  I am a sheep and I must rely on my Shepherd.  My Shepherd knows the big picture.  He is watching out for me.  He is carefully seeing to the details of my life.  He is aware of the trouble I will face before I even realize I’m in trouble and He has a plan to help me navigate through the trouble.  It is the Lord who is my strength and will always be my strength.  It is the Lord who is mighty on my behalf.

Psalm 23  A psalm of David. (NiV)

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures,
 he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
  He guides me along the right paths
 for his name’s sake.  Even though I walk
 through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil,
 for you are with me;
 your rod and your staff,
 they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me
 in the presence of my enemies.
 You anoint my head with oil;
 my cup overflows.  Surely your goodness and love will follow me
 all the days of my life, 
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
 forever.

This project seemed to be a gigantic mountain before I actually began to take the steps to record a CD.  Standing and looking up at a gigantic mountain can be extremely discouraging.  Now that I am finished recording and producing the project, I am moving on to the most enjoyable step, which is releasing the CD.  As I look back, my vision is clearer – what was a mountain is actually a small stepping-stone on the path of my life.  God has been faithful to me.  He has taught me to trust Him as Adonai.  Adonai is a Hebrew word meaning Lord or Master.  You and I have a Caretaker, a Father, a Lord.  I have learned the importance of trusting and being faithful to God.  He will never let me down.

I hope to see you Friday, October 17th at 7 PM for my first concert at Highland Park United Methodist Church.  A portion of the CD sales will benefit Love Ministries, a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization.  Love Ministries exists to build young leaders with integrity who are equipped to serve their community.  Also, on October 17th, the CD will be available for digital download in all digital download stores.

John 4:23-24 (NIV)

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.