Time With a Soul Poet

I've just returned from The Cove in Asheville for a worship conference led by Darlene Zschech and the Hillsong worship team. It was three days of worship, praise and teaching on the heels of our recent move to a new location. To say it was much needed refreshment would be an understatement. If you've never been to Billy Graham's Training Center at The Cove that is enough in itself. It is a peaceful place designed to help Christ followers encounter God and grow in their faith. Go to The Cove online and make plans to go for an evening concert, or one of the many excellent bible teaching seminars. The Cove is great, but being there with one of my favorite worship leaders and songwriters was like icing on the cake. Our team had a great time and we were challenged, fed, encouraged and stretched.

She has written three books, including, Extravagant Worship and The Kiss of Heaven. Remember, this is the person God used to write such powerful praise and worship songs as: Shout to the Lord; All Things Are Possible; I Believe In You; Worthy Is the Lamb. Here's some nuggets on worship from Darlene, who is now traveling, writing, speaking and teaching around the world. As you read them think about your response to God in worship and the role it plays in your life:

The songs are only a tool to facilitate.
We need to be fueled by His presence through His Word.
Music is an amazing vehicle. It was created to give praise to God.
We are to be fueled in worship to be the hands and feet of Christ to the world.
Praise is the fruit of lips.
We can get so familiar with the presence of the Lord that we miss Him.
This{worship}is a starting point but it's for a far greater reason.
Worship is the needful expression of the created toward the creator.
We preach a standard of holiness not worship style.
Music excludes, worship includes!