My first bible was King James Version (KLV). It was a gift from my third grade Sunday school teacher. I still have it. It has tiny print and the binding is a bit loose.

What about you?
Do you still have your first Bible?
Do you have a Bible? Some people do not. 

When I was a teenager I was given a New International Version (NIV) Student Bible. I still that one too.  The original cover is destroyed.

In my second year of college, I had a friend who worked in the school library. one of his jobs to to send books that were falling apart to a company that would rebound books. I asked if he would help me rebind my bible. He did. I'm very thankful. It was as if was new.....but it wasn't...it had the same markings inside as before. That bible is on my shelve today with a strong and a generic black hardcover. 

In both the KJV and the NIV the words new song are mentioned in nine different places. 

Psalm 33:3 -Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.

 Psalm 40:3 -He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.

Psalm 96:1 -Sing a new song to the LORD! Let the whole earth sing to the LORD!

Psalm 98:1 -Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done wonderful deeds. His right hand has won a mighty victory; his holy arm has shown his saving power!

Psalm 144:9 -I will sing a new song to you, O God! I will sing your praises with a ten-stringed harp.

Psalm 149:1 -Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful.

Isaiah 42:10 -Sing a new song to the LORD! Sing his praises from the ends of the earth! Sing, all you who sail the seas, all you who live in distant coastlands.

Revelation 5:9 -And they sang a new song with these words: "You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

Revelation 14:3 -This great choir sang a wonderful new song in front of the throne of God and before the four living beings and the twenty-four elders. No one could learn this song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth.

When I study the words 'new song', I am intrigued that the Hebrew language seems to underpin the NEW  SONG with the idea that the new song is a song which comes from the heart of the worship leading figure(s) moving forward in their journey to grow and gain clientele and sales (or, in this case other worshippers).

The new song carries with it the strength of both the man and the woman.

The female is the song itself while the male is the singer of the song. This idea reminds me of the spiritual dynamic and relationship the covenant people of God (the bride) has with their God and Lord (the groom).

The ultimate man sings the song of his friend, lover and bride. We become The Lords song. 

The new song is fresh in its approach. The old often becomes familiar and no longer carries the impact for conversion it once had. 

The new song is renewing. It is unused. The real new song may use the old words familiar words, the the words of my student bible, but it comes repacked with a new look coming from a new mercy from a new day and new heart, new appreciation, and new praise ...a new and fresh awareness of God's grandeur and glory. 

Pray with me: Lord God, Maker of heaven and earth. Great healer and mighty King of the Universe. Thank you for each new day and the grace and mercies that show up immediately in my life the second I open my eyes each morning. You have put a new song in my mouth. I will praise your name in the sanctuary. I will proclaim your deeds and wonders throughout the earth. I will keep my mind on you. Have your way in my life today and make my life a song others can sing to your glory! 

This book by Ryan Malone is intriguing. I highly recommend this book to all musicians and singers, especially worship leaders. 

First off, it is free. Yes, free. I found it online and was able to order a hard copy from the ministry. It took a few weeks to show up in my mailbox, but when it did I was excited. 

A very clear, complete and concise picture was painted for me as I read about the music of heaven compared to the music of earth. 

Introduction: Expanding the Throne Room Culture

1. Where Did Music Come From?
2. How Advanced Was Biblical Music?
3. Music Prior to the Temple
4. Music of the First and Second Temple Periods
5. Music in the New Testament
6. The Importance of Music

This book offers a fresh perspective on worship music. 

I enjoyed reading about how music in heaven existed before earth. I liked reading about ancient cultures using harmonies and sophisticated and complex forms.

​Overall. Great book.

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. 

It would appear from the text that King Nebuchadnezzar ruled a kingdom of influence, power, and progress. 

This king used music as a tool to call his kingdom to worship.   

He had a 90 foot high image made from gold. He set is up for all to see. He first invited all the kingdoms leaders and important people to a ribbon cutting ceremony and party. Once all the successful and influential people had arrived to see the image together, King Nebuchadnezzar made sure to let them all know in a LOUD voice the following mandate and command:

“Nations and peoples of every language, this is what you are commanded to do: As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”

King Nebuchadnezzar demanded a cultural response to his agenda of false worship. False worship is the worship is idolatry. False worship is replacing The Creator God with the creation.

This command for worship had no exceptions. If some decided they did not want to worship this image, they would need to be prepared to face death.

King Nebuchadnezzar said, "Worship this image when I tell you to or die!"

The command for outright idol worship was a cultural stab and attempt to end true worship. The Politicians and Scholars propagated...

At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “May the king live forever! Your Majesty has issued a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”

This ultimatum used fear and control. This reminds me of a dream I had of President Donald Trump. I recommend checking it out. ​
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It seems like King Nebuchadnezzar knew something about the power of music. Did he know its important role in devotion, reflection, and worship? Did he know the expression of the soul with which music communicates? Did he know music existed before the Earth? Did he know songs surround the Most High God? Did he know how music controls atmosphere?

King Nebuchadnezzar used the creativity of fine arts to draw attention away from the one true living God. This particular policy of King Nebuchadnezzar had a much more sinister agenda.

Could this musically influenced mandate have been fueled by and directly inspired by the devil himself?

I can think of many people who would answer that question like this: Prophetic Song is a song that is prophetic, right? How would you define Prophetic Song?

In his subtitle, Prophetic Song author Stan Smith seems to define prophetic song to be a gateway to glory.
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Gateway to glory?……think about those words for a moment. gateway. gate. in and out. open and shut.

Gateway

gateway.
gate.
in and out.
open and shut.

Glory
glory. hmmmmm.
victory?
smoke and clouds?
happiness?
what is glory?

This prophetic song book is a complete educational meal when it comes to the prophetic song. It reminded me of a textbook. It took me longer to read than some of the other recent books. There were several things I really appreciated about this book, but first, let me share my favorite quotes:
Worship Leading quotes by Stan Smith, author of Prophetic Song.
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Here are a few thought-provoking quotes from this worship leading book:  

1. There is a friendship with God so intimate that he tells us what he is doing.
2. If you want more of the Holy Spirit, center your attention on Jesus, His favorite subject matter.
3. We don’t have to be afraid to make mistakes because our audience is God, not man.
4. The song that matches the sound of nature is singing in the Spirit.
5. Living water is given not for theologians to discuss but to revive the parched souls who have lived in the desert of sin and death.
6. Open your Bible and sing a line of scripture.
7. Don’t try to outplay the people around you, but try to make them sound good.
8. The things of God can’t be reduced to a formula.
9. Take the anointing off me and put it on the song.
10. Sometimes there is a richer anointing on worship practice than on the service itself.
11. Spirit led worship never grows old and stale, it is always fresh.
12. The best investment we can make is to do everything we can to make room for the presence of God.
13. Sometimes God does not entrust a higher anointing on us until we respect Hid anointing on others.
14. We can’t buy the anointing with money.
15. I can choose to sing and play something spontaneous, God still has the freedom to decide whether to make it prophetic.

My Take-Aways from Prophetic Song

There are two things that really stuck out to me as I read Prophetic Song. These two ideas intrigued me because I had never heard or thought things this way before. Find out what they are…
I really think it is an exciting moment when what I  have knowledge of is expanded to new borders and insights. I guess some people call this revelation. I heard a great definition of Revelation once: revealed knowledge.

Idea #1

In the book of revelation, it was brought to my attention that Jesus  has two prophetic voices. Both sounds are the voice of the same God. Perhaps He has more, but these are the two prophetic voices I learned about:
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1. One of Jesus’ voices is the sound of many waters.  This is said to almost always be our prophetically anointed voice speaking to God thru worship in spirit and truth in a corporate setting.
   
   
2. The other prophetic voice is the sound of the trumpet. It’s the prophetic voice of God addressing to an assembled people.
   
   

I am trying to defend or promote any doctrine about the two prophetic voices of Jesus. I simply wanted to share something that intrigued me.

Idea #2

There are two rivers flowing out from the throne of God. One is a river of living water clear as crystal. The other is a river of fire. Without going into any explanations, this idea also peaked my curiosity. This river of fire can be found in Daniel 7:9-10

“….His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.  A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him…..”

I think Stan Smith takes this idea of two rivers and develops quite an interesting idea of Gods Glory. Get the book and find out more.

Action Step

Finally, This prophetic song textbook closes each chapter with two assignments.  One for non-musicians and singers. one for musicians. 

Envy almost influenced me to walk away from what I do best. Envy is a subtle and powerful weapon of darkness. If I am not careful, I will casually let envy erode the confidence and clear conscience needed to bring fulfillment in the plans and will of God for my life.

The book by Bob Sorge is a great exploration of the destructive poison of the spirit of envy.

Let’s get into our Worship Leader Review of Bob Sorge’s book called  Envy -The Enemy Within

• Total pages: 150
• Shortest chapter length 26 pages
• Longest chapter length 8 pages
• Personal Stories & Scriptural Examples
• first published 2003

Chapter Titles

1. The Most Common Problem that Nobody Has
2. What is Envy?
3. The Brothers
4. The Great Talent Showdown
5. Why Revival Tarries
6. The Cross: Death of Envy
7. Perceiving the “Measure of Grace”
8. The Envy Detour: Death or Destiny
9. Rooted in Love

Quotes about praise

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from Bob Sorge’s book Envy; The Enemy Within:

1. Envy is the internal pain we feel over someone else’s success
2. Envy is the Natural by-product of being favored by God – Michael Cavanaugh
3. It’s the tallest tree that gets hit by lightning
4. Envy is always an issue with the brothers
5. No amount of practice can give you a gift you haven’t received from God
6. There is always somebody more talented than you
7. When revival hits two things typically begin to gather in abundance; people and money
8. God protects power with problems
9. My goal is to be known in Heaven
10. The best antidote for envy is the pursuit of the knowledge of the love of Christ

The Great Talent Showdown

My favorite chapter in this book is titled The Great Talent Showdown. This chapter contributes to a deeper understanding of the parable Jesus Christ shared regarding the talents found in the book of  Matthew 25:14-30

…each according to his own ability. Matthew 25: 15 

Bob concludes that when it comes to the ministry of music, one’s level of giftedness becomes so measurable, you can almost put a numerical value on it.

I also like this idea that Bob brings to light; It might be tempting to look at someone else with more gifts than you and envy what they have; but the truth is that if you had their level of gifting, you could potentially suffer quick burnout and utter frustration. Your ‘ability’ may not be meant to handle it.
Having said that, I like that Bob points out that you can only work with what giftings and talents god gives you, but you can also multiply them!

Bob Sorge has also included Mike Bickle’s perspective on talents. The more talent and giftedness a person is,  more publicly and visually expressed towards a more prominent public platform.
And finally, when it comes to leadership, I like this thoughtful illustration Bob makes explain the various talents given by The Lord:

“If the level of excellence in the worship ministry (and other ministries) doesn’t grow with the church, the growth of the church will level off and will plateau according to the level of giftedness among its leaders.”  -Bob Sorge

This is a 162 page compilation book of six authors who write from their experience as international worship leaders. This means variety in perspective.

In this book The Lost Art of Pure Worship, Chris Dupre, Jeff Deyo, Sean Feucht, Julie Meyer, Rachel Goll Tucker, and James W Goll all share their understandings and ideas of worship.
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The book is segmented into three: For the Audience of One, Equal Access to the Throne, and Tips for the journey.

Quotes from Worship Leaders.

I like underlining the ideas I find in books that stick out to me. Do you? Here a few from this book. I have organized them according to worship leader.

Chris Dupre

• With out David, our conversations about worship would end up using words like blood, sacrifice, knife, dead, wash, splattered, animal…you get the picture.
• When I am secure in his affection, I do not need to draw my life from others because I already have it in him.
• When our gifting or calling becomes our title, it is only a short distance  away from having it become our identity.
• Oxen and carts are for work, not for worship.
• We need to be lovers of God who happen to play music as opposed to musicians who  happen to be Christians.
  
  

James W Goll

• I take my questions and I worship him with my questions.
• worship and prayer are not ends in themselves, they lead to the very presence of God.
• Spiritual principles stand firm always, but we are not worshiping spiritual principles.
• Gates and doors are closed to shut things out and open to let things in.
• Today, our access to God is not limited by artifacts and ceremonies.
  
  

Julie Meyer

• Oil is one of the most valuable commodities  in the earth and it is also the most needed substance for worship.
• We must have oil for the journey of worship.
• Don’t get offended, get oil.
• Offense never lets you go, you have to let it go.
  
  

Sean Feucht

• We are called to carry, embody, and release worship everywhere we go.
• The reviving of the secret place will always lead to the reviving of the public places.
• The Spirit’s presence is not so fragile that he requires our help through lengthy explanations.
  
  

Jeff Deyo

• Worship is who I am , not just what I sing.
• …we need to move from ‘practicing what we preach’ to ‘preaching what we practice.
• God’s musical tastes, however, have very little to do with style.
• To him, each thing you do on this earth is like a note on a musical staff.
• God hears things differently. To Him, if the sound has not come from an obedient heart, that sound is not godly.
• if we simply turn our energy from the outside of the cup to the inside of the cup – from the part everyone sees to the part nobody sees – He will take care of the part everyone sees, on our behalf.
  
  

Rachel Goll Tucker

• Life is entirely too short to waste it without making an impact on our society.
  
  

Orlando House of Prayer

This was the last required book for my services at the Orlando House of Prayer. Each Monday evening from 10 pm to midnight I hosted a live musical devotion which was streamed worldwide.  I lead this two devotion from January 2017 to the end of July 2017. The program required a training on prayer and worship called The Harp and Bowl Training as well as list of recommended and required reading.


The lost Art of Pure Worship