Notes From Darlene Zschech

This weekend we hosted Dalrene Zschech and the Hillsong team. This morning we had a small workshop with them and there were so many nuggets deposited that I had to post it for everyone. She was talking about music in the church, but really it transcends beyond that to all areas of ministry. They are brief points, but not much needs to be added to these simple truths and reminders.

• Don’t give up and never settle for anything less than what God has called you to do.

• Worship leaders/ Pastors take what you do seriously.

• The worship of God isn’t a job, it’s holy so be planted where you are called.

• Arrest the atmosphere and declare God’s presence in your services.

• People chase the dramatic of God’s presence, but he’s in the simple and little things of life. To often we make God’s presence about the wrong things.

• What you do or don’t feel really doesn’t matter when it comes to experiencing God’s presence. Our feelings lie to us, He’s there in the moments of quiet, peace or the magnificent obvious moments.

• Expectation is the breeding ground for the miraculous.

• You could be just one decision from stepping into what God has purposed for you to do.

3 POINTS:

1. BE AWARE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD – You become less aware when you are too self-aware.

• Familiarity breeds complacency

• Combat familiarity with staying prayerful

• You don’t have the right to make demands – serve

2. HIS PRESENCE CARRIES A FRAGRANCE

• There’s incredible musicians all over the world but the church should look different because of the presence of God. The musicianship can be amazing, but it’s God’s presence that will be the difference maker.

• The fragrance will sound like songs of hope and thanksgiving

• Excellence is important, but don’t be excellent for music sake, be excellent for message sake. Creating and environment that doesn’t distract, but easily leads people to Jesus.

3. HIS PRESENCE IS GREAT POWER

• His power brings purpose

• it’s good to remember your life without Christ so you can reflect on His goodness, faithfulness and all He’s taken you from.

We All Have Something

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:24-25

Growing up I was always shown by my parents what it is to be a generous person and I've tried to continue that in my life in every area. There have been times I've had more to give, and there's times I may have less but I've always have something to give. I believe we all have something to give no matter how much or how little we posses.

There's a few ways to be generous that I've been shown and try to practice in my life:

BE GENEROUS WITH...

YOUR GOALS - last year I started making 3 lists of goals. I used to only make 2 lists which consisted of personal, and spiritual goals. Now my list is: what are my goals for my personal life, spiritual life and what goals of others do I want to help make happen. Even within personal goals I try to center them around the betterment of others. Even losing weight has others in mind. A healthier you makes for a better husband or wife, leader, parent and friend.

YOUR COMPASSION - see beyond your hurt, your problems and yourself. See the needs and hurts of the world around you and do something about them. It could be as simple as taking time to grab coffee with someone going through a hard time and just listening to them. Being generous with your time will mean sacrificing some of the things you may want to do, or at least putting them off for a day or two.

YOUR WORDS - This is huge! Be generous with your words. Don't assume people know you appreciate them. Don't assume your son knows you think he's talented and gifted. Don't assume your spouse knows what you love about them. Don't assume your family knows you value them. Don't assume, and don't get so comfortable that you take even a day for granted with those in your life. The only thing safe to assume is that someone doesn't know how you feel.

There's so many more ways to be generous. I do believe in being generous in our giving financially, or in our time and resources, but sometimes it's these 3 simple things that make as much difference as a meal or large check would make.

Make it a generous year.

The Sky Was The Limit

“This is the very perfection of a man, to find out his own imperfections.” - St. Augustine

As I head into a new year I'm more determined than ever to really chase after all that God has put in my heart. As I go after all the dreams and desires that I have I know there's really only one thing that can get in the way. ME. I love the quote above from St. Augustine, and how that reminds me that each of us have limitations. It's our personal limitations, or imperfections, that will be the only thing keeping us from doing what we're made to do.

I feel it's important to recognize the imperfections and limitations so I can take the necessary actions to overcome them. Sometimes it will take accountability with others to over come our limitations. Sometimes it may require us to adjust and realign our focus and goals in order to beat the limitations. No matter what limitations we have, the worst thing we can do is let that limit us from achieving the goals and desires that God has put in our hearts. Make this a year where the sky – was the limit.