tag:kurtscobie.com,2005:/blogs/kurt-scobie-worship-leader?p=1Kurt Scobie - Worship Leader2018-04-23T12:16:06-04:00Kurt Scobiefalsetag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/51973712018-04-23T07:07:00-04:002018-04-23T12:16:06-04:00Do it Again [VIDEO]<br><i>Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on April 23, 2018</i><br><br>One of my favorite songs right now is <a href="https://youtu.be/ZOBIPb-6PTc" target="_blank">"Do it Again" by Elevation Worship</a>. It speaks to the heart of many who are facing trials, hardship, and seemingly impossible situations ("mountains"). This is what Jesus was talking about in the often-quoted scripture(s) about "<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2017:20&version=NLT" target="_blank">moving mountains</a>" and "<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2021:21&version=NLT" target="_blank">casting them into the sea</a>".<br><br><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”</i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2017:20&version=NLT" target="_blank">Matthew 17:20 NLT </a>
</blockquote><br>Jesus is speaking about putting your faith in Him to overcome these impossible situations. The truth is, there are obstacles we cannot move in our own strength. There are situations that are impossible for us without divine help. But, even the tiniest ounce of faith (in Jesus) can move mountains. Jesus says <i>“Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible”</i> (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2019:26&version=NLT" target="_blank">Matthew 19:26 NLT</a>).<br><br>"Do it Again" is a faith-building song, for me.<br><br>Even in the seasons of life where things are generally going well; my relationships, my family, my health, etc. are all in a good place, there can be moments of discouragement or discontentment. It is songs like these that remind me to keep going. Hold on to the shield of faith. Because nothing is impossible when we put our trust in Jesus.<br><br>I hope this song encourages you as it has encouraged me. Here is my <a href="https://youtu.be/MQyJ_BsNCCg" target="_blank">acoustic cover of Do it Again</a>. Enjoy.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/MQyJ_BsNCCg/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MQyJ_BsNCCg?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/44692932016-11-16T04:00:00-05:002016-11-16T04:32:59-05:00Lion and the Lamb (Bethel Music) - Piano Cover<i>Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on November 16, 2016</i><br><br><br>One of my current favorites of all of the worship songs out there today is "Lion and the Lamb" by Bethel Music. It is a fun one to play and carries a powerful truth in worship. What a powerful declaration:<br><br>"Who can stop the Lord almighty!"<br><br>Notice, this is not a question, but a statement. Because there is NO ONE "who can stop the Lord..."<br><br>I have been testing out a new setup of lights and mics in my home studio. It is a work in progress which I plan to continuously make improvements to.<br><br>I hope you enjoy my piano cover of Lion and the Lamb, recorded live at "Studio Scobie".<br><br><br><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VQyh6trA_hE" width="560"></iframe> <a href="https://youtu.be/VQyh6trA_hE">https://youtu.be/VQyh6trA_hE</a><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/44499542016-11-03T04:00:00-04:002016-11-03T05:16:52-04:00Never Let Me Down [VIDEO] - Kurt Scobie<div class="tr_bq"><i>Posted by Kurt Scobie on November 3, 2016</i></div><br><br>We are going to the other side.<br><br>I'll never forget these words, which came from a mentor and small group leader during one of the worst "storms" of my life. When I felt like I was drowning, I was reminded of God's faithfulness. That His love is unfailing and that He would never let me down. Jesus, though it seemed like he was asleep when I hit rough waters, was in control. And He was for me.<br><br>This reminder of His faithfulness is drawn from <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+8:22-25&version=NLT" target="_blank">Luke 8:22-25</a>, which reads:<br><blockquote> One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.”So they got into a boat and started out. As they sailed across, Jesus settled down for a nap. But soon a fierce storm came down on the lake. The boat was filling with water, and they were in real danger.<br> The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”<br>When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and the raging waves. Suddenly the storm stopped and all was calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” The disciples were terrified and amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “When he gives a command, even the wind and waves obey him!”</blockquote><div>
<br>In the beginning of this story, Jesus says "let's cross to the other side of the lake". There was no doubt in his mind that they would make it. In other words "WE are going to the other side." Not "let's try" or "let's see" or "well, it's a long shot, but maybe we'll get lucky". No. He was confident.<br><br>It can be easy to look down upon the disciples in this story, because, after all, wasn't Jesus with them? I mean, He's GOD. Why did they lose their faith?<br><br>But, we do the exact same thing. One day we can feel close to the Lord and know that beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is real and He is for us. And the very next day, we'll face rough waters and completely forget that the maker of the wind and rain is still right there with us.<br><br>In a recent songwriting challenge I wrote a song about this. Below is a video of that song, titled "Never Let Me Down", which is meant to be a reminder that God is always close and he is always for us.<br><br>He will never leave us or forsake us. He will never fail us. He will never let us down.<br><br>https://youtu.be/NEIkpl24Few<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i9.ytimg.com/vi/NEIkpl24Few/default.jpg?sqp=CIDQ58AF&rs=AOn4CLDQhmRe0yp_kyO3r9cGYyN2WR_uoQ" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NEIkpl24Few?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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</div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/43809682016-09-20T04:00:00-04:002020-11-14T02:29:16-05:00I Will Dwell (Psalm 23) - New Song [VIDEO]<i>Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on September 20, 2016</i><br><br><br>It has been quite a year for me, 2016. This is my first post in three months, and only my fifth post of the year. Some days I have felt like the cowboys in those movies whose horse gets spooked and they end up getting dragged through the dust in hopes of regaining control.<br><br><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FImYrrQHpVY/V9xRMRTAYjI/AAAAAAAAmyY/fwWyMzV-_6wPhGTsLeU12og5i6PtlvcNwCLcB/s1600/1474056414817_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FImYrrQHpVY/V9xRMRTAYjI/AAAAAAAAmyY/fwWyMzV-_6wPhGTsLeU12og5i6PtlvcNwCLcB/s320/1474056414817_image.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="320" /></a>As I sit at the kitchen table in my quiet house (which will most likely become not so quiet at any moment) I am enjoying a moment of rest in the midst of a very busy year. Looking out the window into our backyard is a serene view of trees and greenery that is my daily refuge from the craziness of life. Even if for only a few seconds each day, I try to escape to the back deck for the stillness and steadiness that reminds me to breathe deep and be quiet before God.<br><br>Rest has been an ongoing theme in my times of prayer and meditation lately. The importance of learning to rest in God has become more and more evident to me. Our culture continues to demand that we be increasingly available and "on" when what we truly need is time to unplug and be refreshed in the presence of God.<br><br>I recently wrote a song in one of my quiet moments with Jesus. It was drawn directly from Psalms 23 and was written with the intention to <i>make</i> you pause and just listen. Just as the Good Shepherd usually has to <i>make</i> us "lie down in green pastures".<br><br>Today, I encourage you to take a moment to pause and spend some time just resting in God. No agenda, no prayer points, no striving. His desire is for us to meet with Him and simply dwell. To enjoy the green pastures and still waters. To be restored. And then, after that moment of rest, remember that His goodness and mercy follows you. That even as you go, you can "dwell in the house of the Lord forever".<br><br><b>I Will Dwell (Psalm 23) - Kurt Scobie</b><br><a href="https://youtu.be/OMitQvcFSNE">https://youtu.be/OMitQvcFSNE</a><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OMitQvcFSNE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OMitQvcFSNE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><br><br><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/42310862016-06-15T04:00:00-04:002016-06-15T08:32:45-04:00I'm Going On My First-Ever Missions Trip to...<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on June 15, 2016</span></i><br><br><br><b>...Indonesia!</b><br><br>I've never even had a PASSPORT until earlier this year. So this trip is a pretty big deal for me.<br><br>My church sends missionaries all over the world every year. And we support all kinds of missions projects and trips. I am excited to finally take one of those trips. And it's going to be a big one.<br><br>After an 18-hour flight, a 10-hour layover in Qatar, and another 8-hour flight we'll hit the ground running in Bali which is 12 hours ahead of Atlanta. Our team will be working with the worship team at Global Church as well as heading out into some villages to reach people with the light of Jesus.<br><br>I am not sure what to think about this endeavor. I know it will be life-changing. I know we will need your prayers. I know that God has gone before us and that He will be with us. Other than that, this is all new for me!<br><br>I am looking forward to sharing my experience with you. Our trip begins June 22nd and we return July 1st.<br><br>Your prayers are appreciated.Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/41942042016-05-24T04:00:00-04:002016-05-24T08:47:14-04:00Worship by Observing<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by Kurt Scobie on May 24, 2016</span></i><br><br><br>Hands were raised. Eyes were closed.<br><br>There was crying. Sobbing.<br><br>Some were praying in tongues. Some were singing along loudly to every word.<br><br>People kneeled. People stood.<br><br>They cheered and shouted. They were quiet and reverent.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6jbfZyWZsg/VzKa4ObQuLI/AAAAAAAAjlI/nN5gsOublHQeC83rkvFROZ2AG3vZncq2QCLcB/s1600/20160421_214017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6jbfZyWZsg/VzKa4ObQuLI/AAAAAAAAjlI/nN5gsOublHQeC83rkvFROZ2AG3vZncq2QCLcB/s400/20160421_214017.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>And me? I was sitting. Eyes open. Just watching and listening. Taking it all in.<br><br>One of my favorite songwriters, Amanda Cook, came to Atlanta on her "Brave New World" tour, and it was phenomenal. The lights, and sound, and videos, and musicianship, and production, and... everything... was awesome. One of the best concerts I've ever been to. The night was beautiful.<br><br>The best part was that it was a worship concert. Everyone seemed to be there for one reason. Jesus.<br><br>One of my favorite moments of the night, though, was when Amanda imparted a "golden nugget" of wisdom.<br><br>Early in her set she talked about "worship by observing". I don't remember exactly what she said, but it blew my mind.<br><br>You see, so much of what we have been taught about worship revolves around action. That if we are truly worshiping, we should be singing or clapping or shouting or something other than "just" sitting.<br><br>But, she challenged that thinking. Not to say that those things are not good and right and important. They are. Her point was that there seems to be a lack of listening and watching and just sitting back to take in the wonder and beauty of God and His creation.<br><br>She invited us to worship by observing the beauty of music, which God created. To take in the coolness of technology, which God has allowed us to discover. To watch these artistic elements come together and simply sit back and be speechless.<br><br>Again, there is a time for crying out, for shouting and singing and clapping, for praying. And congregational singing is extremely powerful and important. However, I see an increasing need for quietness before the Creator to simply take in His beauty.<br><br>Congregational singing is not necessarily worship. Raising your hands is not necessarily worship. Neither is cheering.<br><br>Real worship comes down to the focus and affections of the heart. That is what God wants. Our hearts. Our attention. Our affections.<br><br>So, that night I sat. I watched. I listened. I was completely quiet. And it was one of the most powerful worship experiences I have ever had.<br><br>What if our times of worship included moments to just be quiet, sit, reflect, and observe?<br><br>I believe that God is just waiting to blow us away with His beauty.<br><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/41391772016-04-16T04:00:00-04:002016-04-16T11:16:30-04:00I Will Not Be Moved <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on April 16, 2016</span></i><br><br><br>I believe that Jesus still heals. I've seen Him work miracles all around me, and through me, and even in my own body. There is no doubt that God still heals people in their physical bodies.<br><div><br></div>A few months ago I wrote a song about healing. Something the senior pastor's wife had challenged me to do a while back. So, I wrote "<a href="https://soundcloud.com/worship-leader/i-will-not-be-moved-live-at-victory-world-church" target="_blank">I Will Not Be Moved</a>" and began introducing it to the church during our weekend services.<br><br>Little did I know that the declaration of faith that I was making in the song would be tested. And oh, has it been tested!<br><br>Not long after the song was written, my wife and I faced one of the biggest trials of our lives.<br><br>On a Friday night, after a small group gathering, my wife started experiencing some pain in her abdomen. We thought it was food poisoning, but the pain continued through the night and into Saturday morning, worsening every hour. I was leading worship for a prayer meeting that Saturday morning when she called me to come home immediately. I left the meeting and rushed home to take her to the E.R.<br><br>A CT Scan revealed that a gallstone had passed into her pancreas, causing inflammation (pancreatitis). She ended up staying at the hospital for three-and-a-half weeks, enduring several procedures and many sleepless nights of excruciating pain.<br><br>Meanwhile, I was exhausted trying to care for our two boys (one of them six weeks old), working full-time, AND walking through the process of buying a house for the first time. This could not have happened at a worse time!<br><br>Well, recovery has continued at home, now, and my bride is slowly getting better. We're not completely out of the woods yet. There is still a lot of pain some days, and she cannot quite care for our children on her own. But, we are starting to see some light at the end of this long tunnel (and glimmers of hope along the way).<br><br>God has revealed a lot to us during this whole fiasco.<br><br>On a Sunday morning while in the hospital, my wife tuned in to watch our church service online. Thank God for technology! That weekend I introduced "I Will Not Be Moved" in the main service. God was at work! Of all of the nurses caring for my wife during her stay at the hospital, the one she had that particular morning was a fellow Christian. The cool part is that this woman joined my wife in worship in her room, praying over her, and singing along to "I Will Not Be Moved". She never saw that nurse before and never again during her almost month-long stay. I believe God was up to something.<br><br>And that is just one way of many that we saw God working this for our good.<br><br>Our faith has been strengthened throughout this process. And I know there is even more that God wants to do in us and through us. My goal is to pass the test.<br><br>I don't know if I'll ever fully understand the purpose of this pain, but we are getting glimpses.<br><br>My wife is healed in Jesus' name. By His stripes we are healed. We are believing in faith that the healing will be complete in her very soon. We welcome all who want to pray and believe and stand with us.<br><br>We're watching for miracles.<br><br><br><iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/259322843&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/39958302016-01-19T04:00:00-05:002021-04-21T13:03:25-04:00"Step into My Story"<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on January 19, 2016 </span></i><br><br><i><br>"Welcome home<br>come be found<br>inside my story"</i><br><i><br></i>One of the my favorite parables in the Bible can be found in Luke 15:11-32, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2015:11-32&version=ESV" target="_blank">The Prodigal Son</a>. This powerful story, told by Jesus, has become more and more meaningful to me over the years. There always seems to be something new that God reveals to me each time I read it.<br><br>Recently, I had the opportunity to see what an amazing non-profit, <a href="http://www.connectionshomes.org/" target="_blank">Connections Homes</a>, is doing to help bring "lost sons" (and daughters) home. Which inspired me to write what is becoming one of my favorite songs I have ever written.<br><br><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ElHKemZeLOo/Vpx0y80EE5I/AAAAAAAAhdQ/_UqD-gAFgxU/s1600/Pam%2BParish%2BOrphan%2BQuote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/-ElHKemZeLOo/Vpx0y80EE5I/AAAAAAAAhdQ/_UqD-gAFgxU/s200/Pam%2BParish%2BOrphan%2BQuote.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.readyornotresources.com/">www.readyornotresources.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>"Step into My Story" is about the troubled lives of sons and daughters, and about a loving Father who longs to be reunited with them. When writing this song, to be performed at the 2015 Connections Homes Gala, the organization's founder, <a href="http://www.pamparish.com/" target="_blank">Pam Parish</a>, shared with me her heart for the individuals who have aged out of foster care, and are struggling to navigate adulthood. Kids without parents are entering into the real world without the support and guidance of older adults to pick them up when they make mistakes and help them re-stabilize.<br><br>My hope is that "Step into My Story" will not only reveal the father-heart of God, as He welcomes home the lost, but that it will inspire people to consider how they can partner with God and play a role in bringing His beloved sons and daughters in.<br><br>In the Parable of the Lost Son there are two sons. The younger, foolish, prodigal is usually the focus. But I think we have much to learn from the older, obedient, bitter son. About what not do.<br><br>So, if the older, bitter son is the example of how NOT to be...<br><br>This is where God revealed something new to me about this parable, when writing "Step into My Story".<br><br><b>There is another son. THE Son.</b><br><br>A son who celebrates with the Father the returning prodigals. One who is everything the older son isn't -the ultimate example.<br><br>The Son, Jesus, leads the way by stepping into our story. He shows us exactly how to help bring home the lost. We see his example over and over throughout scripture.<br><br>I have a whole new perspective when I read Luke 15, now. Yes, I can identify with the prodigal son. Yes, I can identify with the older, bitter son (if I'm painfully honest). However, my ultimate goal is to identify with the another son, Jesus.<br><br>My goal is to love BOTH the prodigal and the obedient sons and daughters. To know how to love them. To be a part of someone else's story.<br><br><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iw4Q5elv458/Vpx83mg4D8I/AAAAAAAAhdg/fCnrbKxbDIg/s1600/Kurt%2BScobie%2BStep%2BInto%2BMy%2BStory%2BCover%2B1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iw4Q5elv458/Vpx83mg4D8I/AAAAAAAAhdg/fCnrbKxbDIg/s200/Kurt%2BScobie%2BStep%2BInto%2BMy%2BStory%2BCover%2B1.jpeg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1OMnlQ7" target="_blank">Download "Step into My Story"</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>With the release of my latest single, I am aiming to do just that.<br><br>I released this live version of <a href="http://bit.ly/1OMnlQ7" target="_blank">"Step into My Story" on NoiseTrade</a> on January 12th. It is a free download, BUT you have the option to "leave a tip". So, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to use my platform as an artist for good. Which is why <b>I am giving 100% of all tips received to Connections Homes.</b><br><br>My challenge for you is to simply join me.<br><br>I'd love for you to <a href="https://youtu.be/FmPu5tCjKJc" target="_blank">check out the lyric video</a>.<br><br>I'd be thrilled if you would <a href="http://bit.ly/1OMnlQ7" target="_blank">download the song</a>.<br><br>But, more than that, most importantly, my hope is that you will consider how you can step into the stories, the lives, the struggles, of those who need your help. It was at the expense of the older son that the younger son was welcomed home. It is our privilege to give sacrificially so that others can know the deep love of the Father.<br><br>Step into their story.<br><br><br>Download "Step into My Story (Live)": <a href="http://bit.ly/1OMnlQ7">http://bit.ly/1OMnlQ7</a><br>Lyric video for "Step into My Story": <a href="https://youtu.be/FmPu5tCjKJc">https://youtu.be/FmPu5tCjKJc</a><br>Lyrics for "Step into My Story": <a href="http://kurtscobie.com/lyrics-step-into-my-story">http://kurtscobie.com/lyrics-step-into-my-story</a><br><br><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FmPu5tCjKJc" width="560"></iframe>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/38151722015-08-11T13:15:00-04:002017-02-05T23:08:46-05:00Never Ending Love Songs<br><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on August 11, 2015 </span></i><br><br><br>There is no shortage, or so it seems, of songs about the love of God. For someone who hasn't really truly experienced the impact of God's lovingkindness, these songs can be redundant and annoying. But, when the love of God collides with your life, the impact can (and should) be so powerful that all you want to do is talk and sing and think about that love.<br> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-frf5HZRQTYQ/Vcok2qcC0FI/AAAAAAAAe4c/cCKO6zJOQDk/s1600/image_editor_share_1439311002883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/-frf5HZRQTYQ/Vcok2qcC0FI/AAAAAAAAe4c/cCKO6zJOQDk/s320/image_editor_share_1439311002883.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>For me, and a lot of people, every new song about God's love is a fresh reminder of our personal experience with the power of God's love in our own lives. We are hungry for songs like "Good Good Father" and "How Deep the Father's Love For Us" and the MANY other songs reminding us of how, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205:8&version=NLT" target="_blank">while we were still sinners</a>, while we were still enemies, God sent his only son to die for us.<br><br>If you've been around church for a while, you've heard that a million times or so. And the message can seem stale. We forget how powerful the Gospel was for us when it first penetrated deep into our hearts.<br><br>I believe that new songs can help us keep that message fresh, which is the main reason why I am a writer of worship songs. I'd love to write the next "Good Good Father" or "How Deep the Father's Love For Us" or "<a href="https://youtu.be/EfqAdCvzHpA" target="_blank">Never Ending Love</a>" to help followers of Jesus experience again the power of His love in a new way.<br><br>Yes, the catalogue of love songs about God seem neverending. But, that catalogue will never come close to expressing <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%203:18-19&version=NLT" target="_blank">how wide, how long, how high, and how deep the love that God has for us</a>.<br><br>Here is a new song that I have been listening to a LOT lately. The lyrics are simple. The music is simple. The message is profound.<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>"In Your never ending love,<br>You rescued me,<br>Sought me out,<br>And set me free<br>In Your never ending love,<br>Is all I need,<br>All I need"</i></blockquote><a href="https://youtu.be/EfqAdCvzHpA" target="_blank">Never Ending Love - 10,000 Fathers</a><br><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EfqAdCvzHpA" width="560"></iframe>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/38027222015-08-04T11:10:00-04:002015-08-05T22:00:35-04:00"Be Lifted High" [VIDEO] - Kurt Scobie (LIVE at Victory @ Hamilton Mill)<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on August 4, 2015</span></i><br><br><br>One of the greatest honors I have as a writer of worship songs is when I get to bring songs that I have written before the congregation. I am humbled and honored when a room full of people (or, not so full) are able to connect with God through words that I wrote.<br><br>When I think about the opportunities I have had, like recently at Victory @ Hamilton Mill, I am not only honored, but I am reminded of the huge responsibility I have as a "Worship Songs Pastor" (working title) to take my work seriously. Yes, it's exciting. Yes, it's really really cool. And, most of all, it is an important work I am to do reverently unto the Lord. Writing worship songs is an act of worship itself, and not to be taken lightly.<br><br>"<a href="http://bit.ly/FortressEPiTunes" target="_blank">Be Lifted High</a>" was a result of personal, real, prayer-closet worship. Because of this, I am convinced that God has given me opportunities to sing and lead it for thousands of people. More and more I want to be mindful of my role as "Worship Songs Pastor", which begins off of the platform and behind closed doors.<br><br>So, it is with great honor that I share this video with you, from a recent worship set at Victory @ Hamilton Mill.<br><br>"Be Lifted High" - Kurt Scobie (LIVE at Victory @ Hamilton Mill)<br><a href="http://youtu.be/1TWRyyiUm3g">http://youtu.be/1TWRyyiUm3g</a><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/s_vi/1TWRyyiUm3g/default.jpg?sqp=CPCmg64F&rs=AOn4CLAirjwmUBlz9aEcn26PECQNS7x_cw" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1TWRyyiUm3g?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div><br></div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/37452062015-06-17T05:00:00-04:002015-06-17T08:46:20-04:00Be Lifted High - LIVE @ Victory World Church<i>Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on June 17, 2015</i><br><br><br>God continues to blow my mind and provide opportunities to share my songs.<br><br>I recently had the privilege of sharing my song "Be Lifted High" with my home church and I am humbled. Truly honored that God is using it to bring Him glory.<br><br>I just received the recordings from the board mix from one of the services, so I thought I would share it with you.<br><br>Here is "Be Lifted High (LIVE @ Victory World Church)":<br><br><a href="https://soundcloud.com/worship-leader/be-lifted-high-live-victory-world-church">https://soundcloud.com/worship-leader/be-lifted-high-live-victory-world-church</a><br><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/210587420&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe><br><br><br>LYRICS<br><a href="http://kurtscobie.com/lyrics-be-lifted-high">kurtscobie.com/lyrics-be-lifted-high</a><br><br>"Fortress" EP - AVAILABLE NOW! <br>Website: <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/fortress">www.kurtscobie.com/fortress</a><br>iTunes: <a href="http://bit.ly/FortressEPiTunes">bit.ly/FortressEPiTunes</a><br>Amazon: <a href="http://bit.ly/FortressEPAmazon">bit.ly/FortressEPAmazon</a><br>Google Play: <a href="http://bit.ly/FortressEPGooglePlay">bit.ly/FortressEPGooglePlay</a>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/37234512015-06-01T05:00:00-04:002020-11-10T01:50:56-05:00Fortress - Be Lifted High<br><i>Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on June 1, 2015</i><br><br><br><i>The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” - <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+4%3A1-8&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Rev 4:8 NKJV</a></i><br><br><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">TRACK 4: "<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/be-lifted-high/id976271681?i=976272794" target="_blank">Be Lifted High</a>" [<a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/lyrics-be-lifted-high" target="_blank">LYRICS</a>]</span></b><br><br>Completely surrendered. Eyes only on Jesus.<br><br>This is such a beautiful place to be.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-APYirR5hQpA/VWi3lthdsbI/AAAAAAAAdco/LRU1eGkBsAs/s1600/Kurt%2BScobie%2BFortress%2BBe%2BLifted%2BHigh%2BRevelation%2Bch4%2Bv8%2BHoly%2BHoly%2BHoly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//1.bp.blogspot.com/-APYirR5hQpA/VWi3lthdsbI/AAAAAAAAdco/LRU1eGkBsAs/s320/Kurt%2BScobie%2BFortress%2BBe%2BLifted%2BHigh%2BRevelation%2Bch4%2Bv8%2BHoly%2BHoly%2BHoly.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>When I think about Heaven, I am pretty sure that for most of the time we will simply join the angels and sing "Holy! Holy! Holy!" day after day, and night after night. I am certain that I won't be able to do much more than lay face down and just acknowledge His holiness.<br><br>The fourth and final track on "Fortress" encourages this kind of worship.<br><br>My hope is that while you listen through this EP that the music takes you to the heart of God. I have experienced God's loving kindness, His unrelenting faithfulness, His perfect rest, and I want you to experience it too.<br><br>I love the vehicle of music, to help us move from place to place in our hearts.<br><div>
<br><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">RELATED: "<a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship/blog/holy-wedding-day" target="_blank">Holy (Wedding Day)</a>" [<a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship/blog/holy-wedding-day" target="_blank">BLOG</a>]</span></b><br><b><br></b>So, be still. Know that He really is God. And YOU are in the palm of His hand. He's got you!<br><br>Now, acknowledge that.<br><br>Fix your eyes on Him.<br><br>Trust Him. He is Good.<br><br>Rest in Him.<br><br>Lay it ALL down. Surrender completely.<br><br>Lift Him up. Higher than anyone or anything. Allow Him to rule in your heart. In your everything.<br><br>He is holy.<br><div><br></div>
<div>Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!</div>
<br><b><br></b><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Listen to "<a href="http://open.spotify.com/track/2rin3QxnFKFBWWnZnLIwAj" target="_blank">Be Lifted High</a>" via Spotify:</span></b>
</div><div><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://open.spotify.com/track/2rin3QxnFKFBWWnZnLIwAj">http://open.spotify.com/track/2rin3QxnFKFBWWnZnLIwAj</a></span></b></div><div><b><br></b></div><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:2rin3QxnFKFBWWnZnLIwAj" width="300"></iframe>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/37205712015-05-29T05:00:00-04:002017-02-04T19:38:01-05:00"I Will Trust (Psalm 91)" - LIVE @ Fusion ATL<br><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on May 29, 2015</span></i><br><br><br>On Tuesday nights I have the privilege of worshiping Jesus with hundreds of young adults in Atlanta. I have been serving with Fusion (a ministry of Victory World Church) for several years and it is increasingly exciting to see what God is doing in and through the lives of the people there.<br><br>Recently, we had a last-minute set-change where we decided to add my song "I Will Trust (Psalm 91)" less than an hour before the service began. Some of the musicians hadn't even heard the song before.<br><br>But, they nailed it.<br><br>Here is a front-of-house recording from that night. Enjoy!<br><br><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">RELATED: "<a href="http://kurtscobie.com/worship/blog/fortress-i-will-trust-psalm-91" target="_blank">Fortress - I Will Trust (Psalm 91)</a>" [BLOG] </span></b><br><br><br><iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/205965065&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe><br><br>"I Will Trust (Psalm 91)" - Kurt Scobie [Official Lyric Video]<br><a href="https://youtu.be/HSthnH3wB3M">https://youtu.be/HSthnH3wB3M</a><br><br>Buy the "Fortress" EP:<br>Website: <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/fortress">http://www.kurtscobie.com/fortress</a><br>iTunes: <a href="http://bit.ly/FortressEPiTunes">http://bit.ly/FortressEPiTunes</a><br>Amazon: <a href="http://bit.ly/FortressEPAmazon">http://bit.ly/FortressEPAmazon</a><br>Google Play: <a href="http://bit.ly/FortressEPGooglePlay">http://bit.ly/FortressEPGooglePlay</a><br><br>LYRICS<br><a href="http://kurtscobie.com/lyrics-i-will-trust-psalm-91">http://kurtscobie.com/lyrics-i-will-trust-psalm-91</a><br><br>LINKS<br><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/">http://www.kurtscobie.com</a><br><a href="http://www.twitter.com/kurtscobiemusic">http://www.twitter.com/kurtscobiemusic</a><br><a href="http://www.facebook.com/kurtscobiemusic">http://www.facebook.com/kurtscobiemusic</a><br><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kurtscobiemusic">https://www.instagram.com/kurtscobiemusic</a>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/37107512015-05-18T17:59:00-04:002020-09-08T09:53:07-04:00Fortress - Lead Me (All I Want is You)<br><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on May 18, 2015</span></i><br><br><br><i>"Jesus replied, 'Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.'” - John 4:13-14 NLT</i><br><div><br></div><div>
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">TRACK 3: "<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lead-me-all-i-want-is-you/id976271681?i=976272789" target="_blank">Lead Me (All I Want is You)</a>" [<a href="http://kurtscobie.com/lyrics-lead-me-all-i-want-is-you" target="_blank">LYRICS</a>]</span></b><br><br>It wasn't my original intent with this project, but the "Fortress" EP takes you on a journey, from track one to track four, closer to the heart of God. If you listen in order, you should be able to pretty easily follow along with where the songs are going.<br><br>I read once that a great worship leader takes those they are leading TO somewhere spiritually (always, in some way, closer to Jesus). They aren't just singing nice songs that flow well from one to another. There is a destination. There is a journey. As a shepherd leads his beloved sheep, so a great minister of music leads God's people.<br><br><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2opoJJ1l1rY/VVpYXgTXOzI/AAAAAAAAdYI/oPp_tOnYkFs/s1600/John%2Bch7%2Bvs37-38%2BFortress%2BLead%2BMe%2BAll%2BI%2BWant%2Bis%2BYou%2BLiving%2BWater%2BKurt%2BScobie%2BHoly%2BSpirit%2BJesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/-2opoJJ1l1rY/VVpYXgTXOzI/AAAAAAAAdYI/oPp_tOnYkFs/s320/John%2Bch7%2Bvs37-38%2BFortress%2BLead%2BMe%2BAll%2BI%2BWant%2Bis%2BYou%2BLiving%2BWater%2BKurt%2BScobie%2BHoly%2BSpirit%2BJesus.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="320" /></a>With this third track from "Fortress" the journey comes to a pause for a moment. I find that the closer I get to Jesus there are few words that seem appropriate to speak or sing. Which is why there seemed to be nothing to say in this particular song, except "all I want is you!"<br><br>"All I want is you" is a simple heart cry born out of a personal revelation that only Jesus can satisfy the true desires of our hearts.<br><br>Jesus spoke (actually, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+7%3A37-38&version=NLT" target="_blank">he shouted</a>) the promise of the Holy Spirit in John 7:37-38, saying that if we thirst, and come to Him, we will experience the living water that flows from His heart! Whew!<br><br>I love these simple yet profound truths that God reveals to us when we worship.<br><br>And when we allow Jesus to lead us in worship, He has all kinds of good things hidden for us. We just have to follow as sheep follow a good shepherd.<br><br>My hope is that "Lead Me (All I Want is You)" will help you connect more deeply with your Good Shepherd. And there, drink profoundly of His unending love.<br><br>"<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+23&version=NKJV" target="_blank">T<i>he Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.</i></a>"<br><br><br><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Listen to "<a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/6SQvDXY7cv5S7OHqHORCe9/5nwlwhV7QESC6QQPA4mIdG?" target="_blank">Lead Me (All I Want is You)</a>" via Spotify:</span></b><br><a href="http://open.spotify.com/track/5nwlwhV7QESC6QQPA4mIdG"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>http://open.spotify.com/track/5nwlwhV7QESC6QQPA4mIdG</b></span></a><br><br><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:5nwlwhV7QESC6QQPA4mIdG" width="300"></iframe>
</div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/36798722015-04-27T23:19:00-04:002020-05-04T20:48:12-04:00Fortress - I Will Trust (Psalm 91)<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on April 27, 2015</span></i><br><br><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>TRACK 2: "<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-will-trust-psalm-91/id976271681?i=976271703" target="_blank">I Will Trust (Psalm 91)</a>" [<a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/lyrics-i-will-trust-psalm-91" target="_blank">LYRICS</a>]</b></span><br><br><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1</i></blockquote><br>Rest.<br><br>Probably the most difficult concept to learn in life.<br><br>There is always something to do. Always something demanding our attention. Something always requiring our energy and effort.<br><br>In our culture, we are defined by what we do. Our identity is wrapped up in our accomplishments and job titles.<br><br>We are what we do. According to our world, anyway.<br><br>According to God it is completely different, though.<br><br><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rodqk_nEBIE/VTZoZev8jjI/AAAAAAAAc-Y/vhtvl-sVMRw/s1600/Psalm%2B91-1%2BYouVersion%2BFortress%2BKurt%2BScobie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/-rodqk_nEBIE/VTZoZev8jjI/AAAAAAAAc-Y/vhtvl-sVMRw/s1600/Psalm%2B91-1%2BYouVersion%2BFortress%2BKurt%2BScobie.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="320" /></a>The first track, "Come to Me", on my EP "<a href="http://bit.ly/FortressKS" target="_blank">Fortress</a>" is an invitation to come and rest. Track two , "I Will Trust (Psalm 91)", is all about that covering we see in Psalm 91. And it is under that covering, in that rest, that our true identity is bestowed.<br><br>Only in the quiet shelter of the fortress of God can we truly know who we are.<br><br>We spend so much time striving and searching. We exhaust ourselves with tasks, often noble and honorable tasks. We get worn down by life. Worn down by placing our trust in things and people that let us down. And then we put our trust in ourselves. And then we let ourselves down.<br><br>Yet, God patiently, steadily and faithfully calls out; "Come to me!", "Rest in me!", and "Trust in me!"<br><br><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>"The Lord says, 'I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.'" - Ps 91:14 NLT</i></blockquote><br>So, what does it mean to trust God? What does it mean to live in the shelter of the Almighty?<br><br>I'm still discovering this for myself, but one thing I have learned is that it begins with recognizing how much we really do NEED to REST. It begins with going before God with whatever you're dealing with, no matter your circumstances, and beginning the process of laying your burdens down. Surrendering. Receiving.<br><br>One of my worship pastor friends recently shared with me that he and his wife read Psalm 91 together DAILY. That is powerful! We could all use that kind of covering spoken over our lives each day. Our soul craves that.<br><br>It is tough to rest.<br><br>It is tough to trust.<br><br>But, God aches to meet us there, in that quiet space. He longs to give us the gift of rest.<br><br>And when we lay down whatever is crushing us, whatever is stressing us out, we find that the yoke that God has for us is so much better, and easier, and LIGHTER.<br><br>So, I encourage you to make room in your day to get quiet before the Lord. Allow Him to speak over you, to sing over you. Rest in the shadow of the Almighty, today and every day.<br><br>He is a strong tower. A citadel or serenity. A fortress.<br><div>
<br>Trust in Him, the <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps.62.2&version=NLT" target="_blank">rock of your salvation</a>.<br><br><br>
</div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/36629442015-04-17T05:00:00-04:002015-04-17T07:46:22-04:00Fortress - Come to Me<br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/">Kurt Scobie</a> on April 17, 2015</i></span><br><br><br><b>TRACK 1: "<a href="http://open.spotify.com/track/20MwVNfKhZVY854kTkxPXD" target="_blank">Come to Me</a>" [<a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/lyrics-come-to-me">LYRICS</a>]</b><br><b><br></b><br><div>
<i>"But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs,</i><br><i>praying to God who gives me life." - Psalm 42:8 NLT</i><br><br>In the midst of chaos, and bad news, and corruption, and every other kind of wave that crashes over us each day, the unfailing love of Jesus is there to cover us, to pour generously over us, causing these things to diminish to nothing. The beauty of God's love for His people overwhelms and overpowers the darkness and discouragement.<br><br>No matter where we are, what is going on in our lives, God is always calling His children to return to Him.<br><br>When I was writing "Come to Me" I was in a season of life where I just wanted to hear God's voice. I would wonder if God was speaking, or if God even wanted to speak to me. I wondered what I needed to DO to hear God's voice.<br><br>But, the truth is, there is nothing I had to do. And God wanted to speak to me. And God WAS speaking. I just had to learn how to listen. I had to pause. I had to be quiet.<br><br><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--QuW3XtLEZo/VTAjJrU9kpI/AAAAAAAAc9Y/HzGPGodg34A/s1600/Psalm%2B42%3A7-8" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F--QuW3XtLEZo%2FVTAjJrU9kpI%2FAAAAAAAAc9Y%2FHzGPGodg34A%2Fs1600%2FPsalm%252B42%253A7-8&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="320" /></a>In Psalm 42 we read that the psalmist is in the midst of trouble and chaos. Waves are crashing. But, even in the middle of that, the song of Heaven is with him. In the middle of depression, the "fortress" of God's love is there. Pouring out love and life.<br><br>This opening track from "Fortress" is an invitation. A call to simply come.<br><br>This song was originally titled "Rest In Me", but "Come to Me" seemed more fitting, and, after all, God calls us to come, and then He gives us rest. Just as Matthew 11:28 says; <i>“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."</i><br><br>So, as the waves crash over you, as the trials grow unbearably hard, as trouble hovers... just come. His yoke is easy. His burden is light. He pours His unfailing love upon you. He gives you His songs. He gives you life. He gives you rest.<br><br>Draw close to God today. Pause. Be quiet. Rest in the shadow of the Almighty God. He is your fortress. And He is speaking to you. Listen for His song. It is being sung over you through the night.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>
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<b>Listen to <a href="http://open.spotify.com/track/20MwVNfKhZVY854kTkxPXD" target="_blank">"Come to Me" by Kurt Scobie</a> via Spotify: </b><br><a href="http://open.spotify.com/track/20MwVNfKhZVY854kTkxPXD">http://open.spotify.com/track/20MwVNfKhZVY854kTkxPXD</a><br><br>
</div><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:20MwVNfKhZVY854kTkxPXD" width="300"></iframe>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/36568382015-04-14T05:00:00-04:002017-01-13T08:42:08-05:00Fortress - Introduction<br><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on April 14, 2015</span></i><br><br><i><br>"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High<br>Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.<br>I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress;<br>My God, in Him I will trust.'” - Psalm 91:1-2 NKJV</i><br><br><b>for·tress</b>: <i>noun</i>, a person or thing not susceptible to outside influence or disturbance; a military stronghold, especially a strongly fortified town fit for a large garrison.<br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-POQAHPoqjts/VSQHu2ly8wI/AAAAAAAAczg/2r7zxlsEy2Y/s1600/FortressFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//3.bp.blogspot.com/-POQAHPoqjts/VSQHu2ly8wI/AAAAAAAAczg/2r7zxlsEy2Y/s1600/FortressFront.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="313" width="320" /></a></div>It all began when I got to day 91 of a "Bible-in-a-year" reading plan on YouVersion.<br><br>Thank God for technology! When you stop and think about it, it is incredible that we can have the entire Bible (in many languages and translations) in our pockets, available to us at any moment. As long as our smartphone batteries don't die, we have the power of God's word at our fingertips, ready and waiting to be unlocked.<br><br>The reading plan I began in October of 2014 has given me a Psalm to read each day, while taking me through the Bible chronologically, Genesis to Revelation. It has been a fantastic journey. If you have never read through the entire Bible in one year, it is quite a worthwhile challenge to take on.<br><br>So, when I arrived at day 91, I also arrived at Psalm 91. And God was waiting there for me. I had no idea what all He had in store for me.<br><br>I'm glad I had the space in my life that day to process this psalm during my personal time of worship. I read through Psalm 91 over and over that day. Each time, powerful words kept popping out at me about God as my "fortress". Before long, those words made it to my little notebook and the melodies followed. That song, "I Will Trust (Psalm 91)", became the flagship composition for my <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/fortress" target="_blank">worship EP "Fortress"</a>, and these blogs, and whatever else God might have planned.<br><br>The word "fortress" has been a recurring theme in my quiet times, and God has revealed so many powerful truths to me about who He is and how He covers those who trust in Him.<br><br>In these next few blogs I will be looking at each track from from "Fortress" and sharing some insights and thoughts I had while writing these songs.<br><br>I hope you find these posts helpful and that you will get a fresh understanding of God as your "Fortress".<br><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/36270102015-03-27T05:00:00-04:002015-03-27T07:02:33-04:00"Sinking Deep" (Hillsong Young & Free) - Kurt Scobie [Cover]<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on March 27, 2015</span></i><br><br><br>I have always been drawn to the quiet and contemplative songs that encourages the listener to pause, reflect, and think.<br><br>As an introvert, I am energized by my "me"-time, and I often spend that time listening to these kinds of songs.<br><br>I have had a couple opportunities to sing "Sinking Deep" by Hillsong Young & Free lately, and I love the power behind this song! The fact that we can "sink deep" into God's grace is truly amazing and profound when you pause and think about it. Immersed in God's love, deeper and deeper, is a beautiful place to be. It is in that deep awareness of the Holy Spirit that we become all that God created us to be.<br><br>Just as Moses was changed by the presence of the Lord, we too can experience that transformative power when we simply spend time in His wonderful presence.<br><br><br>"Sinking Deep" (Hillsong Young & Free) - Kurt Scobie [Cover]<br><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SY8Y07vthzc" width="560"></iframe><br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY8Y07vthzc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY8Y07vthzc</a>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/36132712015-03-20T05:00:00-04:002015-03-20T05:02:07-04:00"You Make Me Brave" (Bethel Music) - Kurt Scobie [Cover]<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on March 20, 2015 </span></i><br><br><br>Wave after wave, God's love crashes over us.<br><br>He wants us to know that He is for us.<br><br>I love the way Amanda Cook (Bethel Music) expresses this through her song "<a href="https://youtu.be/6Hi-VMxT6fc" target="_blank">You Make Me Brave</a>". She shines a light on the fact that when God calls us out into the "waves", He is calling us out into His GRACE. We focus so hard on the waves sometimes that we miss that it is in the rough waters of life that God's hand of love is holding us tighter than ever.<br><br>And through those circumstances and situations God makes us brave.<br><br>How quickly we forget that our "Champion of Heaven" has already won, and when we fight, we are fighting FROM victory not FOR it. Our battles are won in Jesus. It is finished! He has made a way for us. How powerful!<br><br>I hope you dive deeper into God's great love for you today and let Him call you out into the waves of His grace.<br><br>Here is my rendition of "You Make Me Brave". Enjoy & share!<br><br><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JTlBFpm3VcI?list=PL8vUd0wGHOnqLIfErh-DpYqrHlUt9d_hX" width="560"></iframe> <a href="https://youtu.be/JTlBFpm3VcI?list=UUqII1AfFJds5klUrjWnZc5g">https://youtu.be/JTlBFpm3VcI?list=UUqII1AfFJds5klUrjWnZc5g</a>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/36113892015-03-19T09:06:00-04:002017-01-13T08:42:07-05:00Worship Music on NPR? <div><span class="font_small"><em>Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on March 19, 2015</em></span></div>
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<div>Simply obeying God unlocks many amazing opportunities and blessings.</div>
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<div>Last week I had the opportunity and blessing of interviewing with Richard Windham on WUTC 88.1 (NPR) in Chattanooga, TN. Winning the 2014 <a href="http://thecamphouse.com/" target="_blank">The Camp House</a> Songwriter Shootout has opened many doors, including this radio interview.</div>
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<div>But it was more than an interview.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UUipl7aLk60/VQYxh7iKg6I/AAAAAAAAcYw/qngBGbtyToQ/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="//3.bp.blogspot.com/-UUipl7aLk60/VQYxh7iKg6I/AAAAAAAAcYw/qngBGbtyToQ/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B(1).jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_" /></a>I didn't know that I would be performing live, on-air, until I arrived at the station. I didn't bring my keyboard. I didn't prepare any songs. I thought we'd just be talking. I was completely unprepared.<br><br>God works best in these types of situations, it seems.<br><br>Thankfully, Anthony Quails, the host of the shootout, was also a part of the interview. That's his guitar in the pictures. And that's me, hacking away at it, pretending to know what I'm doing.</div></div></div></div>
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<br>I had the honor of sharing two original songs. The first was "<a href="https://youtu.be/Z_RA9KvzKms" target="_blank">Your Crash</a>", and the second was a new song from my <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/fortress" target="_blank">new worship EP</a> (coming April 14th). <br><br>I don't want to super-spiritualize things, but I believe this radio interview was a pretty big deal. There I was, in the middle of a college campus, on a public radio station, singing a straight-up worship song to Jesus. I couldn't help but think of the spiritual warfare going on around me! The more I lead worship, the more I am aware of my position on the front lines of spiritual battlefields. <br> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yU33GcQTAs/VQYxlIHieLI/AAAAAAAAcY4/BmiTp3J7Vok/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yU33GcQTAs/VQYxlIHieLI/AAAAAAAAcY4/BmiTp3J7Vok/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></a><br>It all began with obedience, in my personal worship and prayer time, in my basement. Simply writing and singing songs, inspired by scripture. It is incredible to think back to those writing "sessions". I had no idea where these songs could go. And I haven't even released the EP yet.<br><br>I'm excited.<br><br>Mostly, I'm thankful. Deeply grateful.<br><br>God is taking me on an amazing journey with this project. And as long as I remain close to the heart of the Father and obedient to His call, I know there are more and bigger adventures ahead.</div>
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<div>I believe God has a beautiful journey for ALL of us if we just listen, obey, and pay attention to what He is doing.</div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/35799002015-03-06T05:00:00-05:002015-03-06T10:15:46-05:00"Out Of Hiding" (Steffany Gretzinger) - Kurt Scobie [Cover]<br><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/">Kurt Scobie</a> on March 6, 2015</span></i><br><br><br>I shared a <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship/blog/out-of-hiding">post</a> about this song back in November, and my excitement for <a href="http://youtu.be/XFkDqQtfs0w" target="_blank">"Out Of Hiding" by Steffany Gretzinger</a> has only increased since then. This song is powerful.<br><br>Steffany's lyrics cut to the core for me (and a lot of people) about God's call to bring ALL people back to Him. This song reveals the truth about God's love that it is unrelenting and passionate about every single person, no matter how far from home we run.<br><br><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">RELATED: "<a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship/blog/out-of-hiding" target="_blank">Out Of Hiding</a>" [BLOG]</span></b><br><br>This song still speaks to me. And learning to play and sing it allows the message to resound even louder in my soul. I'm reminded, yet again, how important it is to get away from the noise of life and find a peaceful space to hear the whisper of God.<br><br>I hope you enjoy my cover of "Out Of Hiding" and, most importantly, allow God to speak to you through these powerful lyrics.<br><br><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lq9XQIZ4rlQ" width="560"></iframe> <a href="http://youtu.be/Lq9XQIZ4rlQ">http://youtu.be/Lq9XQIZ4rlQ</a>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/35594842015-02-26T04:00:00-05:002015-02-26T11:24:51-05:00"Good Good Father" (Housefires) - Kurt Scobie [Cover]<br><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on February 26, 2015</span></i><br><br><br>In January I shared <a href="http://kurtscobie.com/worship/blog/good-good-father" target="_blank">a post</a> inspired by a song that we are completely hooked on in our church. Housefires' powerful worship song "Good Good Father" is bringing people, including me, closer to God in our corporate and personal times of worship. I love songs like these that God uses to speak to His church in big ways.<br><br>Ever since I first wrote about it, I have been looking forward to learning it well enough to do a cover video. Well, here it is. If you want to watch the original video (it is great!) click <a href="http://youtu.be/djrY_eFDOwE" target="_blank">here</a>.<br><br>I hope you enjoy my cover, and if you do, I hope you'll share it. Most of all, I hope you take the message to heart. God <i>really is</i> a good good Father and we <i>really are</i> loved by Him.<br><br><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rNp5C_y2RyA" width="560"></iframe> <a href="http://youtu.be/rNp5C_y2RyA">http://youtu.be/rNp5C_y2RyA</a><br><br><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">RELATED: "<a data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://kurtscobie.com/worship/blog/good-good-father" target="_blank">Good Good Father</a>" [BLOG]</span></b>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/35564422015-02-25T04:00:00-05:002017-01-13T08:42:06-05:00Humble<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on February 25, 2015</span></i><br><br><br>The other day I had the privilege of serving alongside some worship-leader friends, evaluating some new musicians, singers, and potential worship leaders. Our church's "Groomsmen" process allows for people to audition, get evaluated, and get training so that they can be plugged-in to serve in the various ministries we have. More than finding talented musicians and singers this process is designed to see where people are at in their walk with God and help them grow as disciples of Jesus.<br><br>One of the best auditions we saw was not because of the individual's talent or abilities, but because of how humble she was.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frhCpSo-V1M/VOzbxofpS3I/AAAAAAAAcGI/BEJ_-GH89xA/s1600/c.s.%2Blewis%2Bhumility%2Bquote%2Bkurt%2Bscobie%2Bworship%2Bleader%2Bblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//1.bp.blogspot.com/-frhCpSo-V1M/VOzbxofpS3I/AAAAAAAAcGI/BEJ_-GH89xA/s1600/c.s.%2Blewis%2Bhumility%2Bquote%2Bkurt%2Bscobie%2Bworship%2Bleader%2Bblog.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="283" /></a></div>True humility really is an attractive quality. As we were getting to know this woman, it was evident that she possessed a true spirit of humility. These are a few thoughts I had about humble people:<br><br><b>1. Humble people are servants. </b><br>We asked each person who auditioned why they were interested in being a part of the worship team. It can be a difficult question to answer, and we heard many different answers, but the best answer we heard was centered around serving. It takes true humility to serve others, voluntarily, with no pay or reward.<br><br><b>2. Humble people are selfless. </b><br>A servant heart is a selfless heart. By definition, to be humble means to put others before yourself. To deny your self. To be selfless. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2:3" target="_blank">Esteeming others above yourself</a> is not a new concept. Paul talked about this in his letter to the church of Philippi (Phil 2:3). And the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross was the ultimate picture of selflessness and humility.<br><br><b>3. Humble people are steady.</b><br>The more we rely on our own abilities and talents, the more likely we will fall. Pride gives us a false sense of stability. If our footing is in ourselves, we will fail. But, humbly placing our confidence and trust in Jesus gives us a firm foundation. In Christ alone we are steady and stable. It takes true humility to recognize our need for Jesus every day and in every moment.<br><br>This C.S. Lewis quote says it well: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less."<br><br>That is at the heart of it. Steady, selfless servants possess true humility because they put Jesus first, others second, and themselves last.<br><br>This is especially important for those who are in positions of leadership. Specifically, worship leaders. And I have to keep pride in check every time I walk onto the platform to lead worship.<br><br>I am thankful for the people I meet who are humble. It is humbling.<br><br>And I believe that the more humble I am, the closer I get to God. That is the ultimate goal.<br><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/35428272015-02-19T13:35:00-05:002015-02-19T14:15:48-05:00"One Thing Remains" (Bethel Music) - Kurt Scobie [Cover]<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on February 19, 2015</span></i><br><br><br>There have been just a handful of worship songs over the years that I have really connected with. Each person connects with different songs in different seasons of life, and "One Thing Remains" by Bethel Music has been a powerful song in my life. When the song was released a few years ago there were some "mountains" that I was facing, and God spoke directly to those trials through this song.<br><br>Now, whenever this song is sung, the same emotions I experienced when I first worshiped to the song are stirred up within me all over again.<br><br>More importantly, those emotions remind me of God's faithfulness and unfailing love.<br><br>It is a beautiful thing to be able to look back and see how God has moved in your life, behind the scenes, even though it seemed like you were on your own. One thing God continues to show me is just how faithful He is, and that his love for me will never ever EVER fail.<br><br>The trials seem unbearable sometimes, the mountains seem impossible, but our God is all about bringing us through the unbearable, and "<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2019:26" target="_blank">we know that all things are possible with God</a>".<br><br>The following video is my rendition of "One Thing Remains". I hope you will be reminded of God's faithfulness and unfailing love for you. Enjoy!<br><br><i>"The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness<br>all who keep his covenant and obey his demands."</i><br><i>- <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2025:10&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 25:10</a></i><br><br><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oTKgitGEtuQ" width="480"></iframe><br><a href="http://youtu.be/oTKgitGEtuQ">http://youtu.be/oTKgitGEtuQ</a><br><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/35277382015-02-13T05:00:00-05:002020-09-07T03:04:16-04:00God is Not Waiting for You to Screw Up<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on February 13, 2015</span></i><br><br><br><i>"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" - Matthew 7:11</i><br>One of the best things about having a son is the way God uses that relationship to speak to me about His role as my father. He has shown me a lot lately about what a good father He is, and how I have needed a shift in perspective.<br><br>The other day, in the middle of dealing with a discipline issue with my toddler, I felt that God was also dealing with me.<br><br>Sometimes my perspective (and many others' perspectives) of God is that He is just waiting, watching, holding a big ol' lightning "rod of correction" for the next time one of His children gets out of line. In my head I have come to understand that this is not the case. But, my heart usually takes longer to get things like this. Well, experience really is the best teacher, and God was again speaking to me through my relationship with my son.<br><br>As a father I am never just waiting for my son to screw up. I think the WORLD about him. I LOVE him. I can't wait to wake up to his loud "I'm awake!" announcement every morning when he barges into our room. I LOVE coming to "rescue" him in the middle of the night when he needs some water or loses his paci. When he is playing with his cars (which is all the time) I love watching him figure things out and use his imagination. I am so stinkin' PROUD of that boy. I never am just waiting for him to make a wrong move. In fact, I'd say the opposite is true. I am watching, waiting, holding a REWARD for the next time he does something right.<br><br>I believe God is the same way.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-PgEGXEiq8/VN0Il1OV8yI/AAAAAAAAb4A/ZLr6cd5cnGk/s1600/child%2Bholding%2Bfather's%2Bhand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-PgEGXEiq8/VN0Il1OV8yI/AAAAAAAAb4A/ZLr6cd5cnGk/s1600/child%2Bholding%2Bfather's%2Bhand.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" /></a></div>He is a proud parent. He loves coming to our rescue. He loves hearing our voices every morning. He loves to give good gifts to His children. He waits, and watches, holding a reward for when he "catches" us doing something right.<br><br>If you're like me, that is a huge paradigm shift. And if we can take this to heart, we will be infinitely more happy and much more confident in God's unending love for us.<br><br>Yes, that love is where discipline and correction comes from. Yet, there is so much more to our relationship with Him. There is so much more to God's love.<br><br>My prayer is that we would learn what it means to be sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven.<br><br>To be able to walk boldly in His love. To rest securely in His peace. To live every day understanding just how stinkin' proud He is. To live in an expectancy for the next good thing He has for us.<br><br><b>RELATED: "<a href="http://kurtscobie.com/worship/blog/good-good-father" target="_blank">Good Good Father</a>" [BLOG]</b>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/35018782015-02-03T04:00:00-05:002017-01-13T08:42:05-05:00Worship EP Recording Session<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on February 3, 2015</span></i><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br>Some exciting things are in the works for me personally and professionally. I have been in a season of growth (growing pains included) and I can sense that God is leading me into an exciting new chapter.<br><br><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TOwvdJT1RM4/VMqyEUfZwDI/AAAAAAAAbs4/TONvgzmoPe8/s1600/2015-01-27%2B19.28.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/-TOwvdJT1RM4/VMqyEUfZwDI/AAAAAAAAbs4/TONvgzmoPe8/s1600/2015-01-27%2B19.28.54.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="145" /></a>One of the "exciting things" happening is a new music project. Last week I drove a couple hours north of Atlanta to Lookout Mountain, GA and began recording a few new worship songs I have written. I met with producer/engineer Chuck Harris at a little church outside of Chattanooga to record my first-ever worship EP.<br><br>We tracked piano and cello in that peaceful sanctuary and then tracked vocals at Chuck's home studio.<br><br>I have always loved studio time, seeing my raw songwriting ideas come to life and grow into full productions. Just as before, this studio session was inspiring and challenging, yet there was a beautiful peace throughout.<br><br>There is something peaceful about playing a baby grand in an empty sanctuary. A church building can be an exciting, chaotic, lively and energetic place on Sunday morning, which is awesome. Yet, a quiet chapel on a weekday is a perfect opportunity to hear the still whisper of God.<br><br>During my recording session God was undoubtedly there with us as we labored to create an offering worthy of the King of Kings.<br><br><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EF2fLGFBaC0/VMq9quYA8UI/AAAAAAAAbtI/tYovwDcun8o/s1600/20150127_115131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/-EF2fLGFBaC0/VMq9quYA8UI/AAAAAAAAbtI/tYovwDcun8o/s1600/20150127_115131.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="180" /></a>The songs on this project are simply an outpouring from my personal worship and prayer time I have had over this past year. I am humbled and incredibly thankful for this opportunity to record these new songs. I am not sure where God is leading me, but these songs are first and foremost a gift for Him.<br><br>I am looking forward to sharing more about this endeavor and for the date, TBA, when these songs will be released.<br><br>Pray for me as I finish this project. That, through it all, the name of Jesus would be glorified. That this would be a beautiful gift fit for a king. That these songs would draw me and others closer to the heart of God.<br><br>For more photos from my recording session, visit <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/blogs">www.kurtscobie.com/blogs</a>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/34784062015-01-21T13:09:00-05:002015-01-21T14:16:47-05:00Good Good Father<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on January 21, 2015</i></span><br><br><br><i>"Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!" Psalm 34:8</i><br><br>There seems to be one truth about God that is the gateway to understanding all other truths about God. When we don't understand this, we are hindered in understanding all that God has for us, and all that He is.<br><br><b>God is a good father and He loves His children.</b><br><br>It is simple, yet so difficult to grasp. We have so much baggage, and religiousness, and brokenness, and worldliness that clouds our understanding. But, I believe God is making a way for us to understand.<br><br>I have the privilege of serving with a team at an awesome ministry called Fusion, at my home church (Victory World Church). The other night we did a song called <a href="http://youtu.be/djrY_eFDOwE" target="_blank">"Good Good Father" by House Fires</a>. The chorus is as follows.<br><br><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>You're a good good father<br>It's who you are<br>It's who you are<br>It's who you are<br>And I'm loved by you<br>It's who I am<br>It's who I am<br>It's who I am</i></blockquote><br>I love this. Simple. Profound. Powerful.<br><br>Understanding this truth in the depths of your heart changes everything. God becomes real and personal, not distant and silent. God becomes accessible.<br><br>This, I believe, is only the beginning. Once we "get" this, the gateway to understanding all of the beautiful goodness of God's heart is unlocked.<br><br>And it isn't just about understanding, but experience. Not just knowledge about Him, but a deep revelation of who He is and who we are in Him. And He really is good, and we really are loved. I've tasted and seen.<br><br><br><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/djrY_eFDOwE" width="560"></iframe>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/34718432015-01-17T05:00:00-05:002017-01-13T08:42:05-05:00The Pain of Love<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on January 17, 2015</span></i><br><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y_GJkipH7yQ/VLbwirzFBOI/AAAAAAAAbaQ/ofewleyV2Is/s1600/pepperoni%2Bpizza%2Bfasting%2Bkurt%2Bscobie%2Bworship%2Bleader%2Bblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/-y_GJkipH7yQ/VLbwirzFBOI/AAAAAAAAbaQ/ofewleyV2Is/s1600/pepperoni%2Bpizza%2Bfasting%2Bkurt%2Bscobie%2Bworship%2Bleader%2Bblog.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>My church is in the middle of our "<a href="http://victoryatl.com/21days/" target="_blank">21 Days of Prayer and Fasting</a>" which we get to participate in every January. It is a time to hit the reset button and press in to what God is saying and doing in our lives and in our world. I have participated in the fast before, but this year seems especially difficult.<br><br>If you have ever fasted (or seriously dieted), you know that there is physical pain that you experience on a daily basis.<br><br>I have given up a lot of the foods that I love, including pizza. The other night I was really craving pizza, so much so that I dreamed that I broke the fast by eating a hot, cheesy, greasy, magnificent slice of pepperoni. I remember eating it, and then feeling horribly guilty for not finishing the fast that I started. Thankfully, I woke up soon after.<br><br>It can be painful to submit to the discipline that fasting requires. Even more painful is the prayer part of it. Especially when God doesn't seem to be answering.<br><br>Yet, I am pressing on.<br><br>As the scriptures say in Hebrews 12, God disciplines those he loves. Through prayer and fasting God requires a higher standard, so that we can become more like Him and enter into a sweeter communion with Him.<br><br>Our culture is so drenched in quick fix and instant gratification mentality that we forget that God's timing is not our timing. His timing often seems to be much slower (though, our prayers are sometimes answered in a split second). I definitely have some prayers I'd like answered very soon (who doesn't?), but, ultimately, I trust that God knows best.<br><br>Yes, the journey has plenty of pain and hunger pangs. Being divinely disciplined by God is not usually fun. However, who we become through the various processes and trials and tests is well worth the pain.<br><br>Enjoy the pain of God's discipline. He only disciplines his beloved children.<br><br><i>"As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father?... No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong." Hebrews 12:7, 11-13 NLT</i><br><br><br><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/34656862015-01-14T05:00:00-05:002017-01-13T08:42:05-05:00Matchbox Cars<div dir="ltr"><i>Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on January 14, 2015</i></div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">
<a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh3.ggpht.com%2F-B2dthtfUcCc%2FVLV5TQ4ECOI%2FAAAAAAAAbXo%2Fd36LXj6xN58%2Fs640%2F2015-01-13%2525252012.50.44.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//lh3.ggpht.com/-B2dthtfUcCc/VLV5TQ4ECOI/AAAAAAAAbXo/d36LXj6xN58/s640/2015-01-13%25252012.50.44.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="213" width="320" /></a>I love watching my two-year-old play and learn. It's fascinating the little things he does. One of his favorite things to do with his matchbox cars is line them up in a row. The other day I noticed that he discovered a new way to arrange his collection. It was really interesting to me. </div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">And why should you care about the way he lines up his cars? Well, you shouldn't I suppose. But, his dad does. And that is my point. </div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">The details of our lives are seemingly insignificant. Except to our heavenly father. </div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">The bible tells us that the hairs on our heads are numbered (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2012:7" target="_blank">Luke 12:7</a>). That seems to me like quite a significant task -counting hairs -for such an insignificant piece of information. I mean, who really cares the exact number of hairs?</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">Yet, God does.</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">He is a good father. A perfectly good father, actually. And He sees every step. He knows every thought. Every breath. Every... burp. It is impossible to understand just how much God cares about the little things in our lives. </div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">Don't let that stop you, though. Sometimes we choose not to bother God with the petty stuff. But, He wants to be welcomed into every piece of our lives. </div><div dir="ltr"></div><div>
<br>So...<br><br>Invite God into the details. Look for Jesus in the little things. You'll discover that when you seek Him, he is waiting to be found.<br><br>
</div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cVVlMQved8k" width="560"></iframe> <div dir="ltr">Bethel Music- You Know Me ft. Steffany Frizzell: <a href="http://youtu.be/cVVlMQved8k">http://youtu.be/cVVlMQved8k</a>
</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/34629032015-01-12T13:53:00-05:002017-01-13T08:42:05-05:00Colossians 3:16<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on January 12, 2015</i></span><br><br><br><i>"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God." -Colossians 3:16 NASB</i><br><div><br></div><div><br></div>"Richly dwell within you". Wow.<br><br>How are you doing with that?<br><br>I certainly have a long way to go.<br><br>I had the chance to meet with one of the pastors at my church recently -a man I look up to and respect greatly. And throughout our conversation his language was woven with scripture. I could tell he spent a lot of time in the presence of God. The word of Christ was rich in his heart. It was inspiring.<br><br>I desire that. I read the Bible every day (thanks <a href="https://www.bible.com/" target="_blank">YouVersion</a>), but I can't say that I am allowing the word to "dwell". Definitely not "richly". I am too distracted. And I know I'm not the only one. Our world is too busy. I'm too busy.<br><br>It won't be easy, but this year I am committed to fighting for my time with Jesus. To allow for the scriptures to come alive in my heart. To <a href="https://t.co/FhkqBebpuC" target="_blank">rest in the shadow of the almighty God</a>.<br><br><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-saF9lqsPrV8/VLPqG0DBUfI/AAAAAAAAbWY/ksnZW9sZFlg/s1600/let%2Bthe%2Bword%2Bof%2BChrist%2Brichly%2Bdwell%2Bwithin%2Byou.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/-saF9lqsPrV8/VLPqG0DBUfI/AAAAAAAAbWY/ksnZW9sZFlg/s1600/let%2Bthe%2Bword%2Bof%2BChrist%2Brichly%2Bdwell%2Bwithin%2Byou.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="301" width="400" /></a>I believe that once we get the first part of this, the rest of it will come somewhat naturally. And trying to teach and admonish one another without allowing the word to dwell is simply exhausting. <b>Our best ministry to others comes out of an overflow and abundance of allowing Jesus to minister to us.</b><br><b><br></b>Too often we want to skip ahead. But, we have to get the first part if we're to get the rest of it.<br><br>One of my biggest challenges is to rest in God. To allow Him to speak. To let His word dwell within me.<br><br>So, this is my focus this year. Let the word dwell. Let Jesus dwell within me. So that all that I do is in Christ.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/34367532014-12-25T04:00:00-05:002017-01-13T08:42:04-05:00Glory to God in the Highest! <div dir="ltr">Pos<i>ted </i><i>by </i><i><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">Kurt </a></i><i><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">Scobie</a></i><i> </i>on <i>December 25, 2014</i>
</div><div dir="ltr"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-55f7EYpYRD0/VInhMuF2gMI/AAAAAAAAa_g/xntpafeVpFY/s1600/Christmas%2BBethlehem%2Bstar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/-55f7EYpYRD0/VInhMuF2gMI/AAAAAAAAa_g/xntpafeVpFY/s1600/Christmas%2BBethlehem%2Bstar.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="200" width="198" /></a></div><div dir="ltr">"Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" Luke 2:10-11</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">The power and excitement of this story often gets lost in our busyness and being grownups. But, today I hope you find time to reflect on this "good tidings of GREAT JOY" that the angels sing about. </div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">I hope you can allow the shout of heaven to echo in your heart. Let your soul rejoice with the angels as they sing "Glory to God in the highest!"</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">Come, let us adore Him. </div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">Merry Christmas! </div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/34136382014-12-18T05:00:00-05:002014-12-18T06:17:19-05:00Fixing Our Eyes<span style="font-size: x-small;">Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on December 18, 2014</span><br><br><br><i>"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews+12%3A1-3&version=NIV">Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV</a></i><div>
<i><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aC-YZOg2TSI/VHStO22UYWI/AAAAAAAAan0/lB-lW7F1V54/s1600/Mark%2BBatterson%2BTwitter%2BWorship%2BGod%2BRighteousness.png"><span style="color: black;"><br></span></a></i>In a world of selfies and instant gratification, it is increasingly difficult to focus our attention on anything but ourselves. Every aspect of our lives is being invaded by self-centeredness. And while there are many reasons that our culture is shifting, it is our responsibility as Christians to take action in our own lives and shift our attention back on Jesus and the needs of people around us.<br><br>Author and pastor Mark Batterson got me thinking about this with a recent tweet (see below). There is so much focus on individuality in our culture, that we forget that we are not to do all of this on our own. In Christ is our identity, our strength, our righteousness, our hope, and our life.<br><div>
<br>So, fix your eyes on Jesus. Talk with your Lord throughout your day. Worship your Savior in everything you do. Take your focus off of yourself.<br><br>If your worship depends on how you're doing spiritually; refocus. Take a step back from your own circumstances and take a step closer to God. Loosen your grip on your own thoughts and cling tighter to God's thoughts.<br><br><i> "He must increase, but I must decrease." <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John.3.30&version=NKJV">John 3:30 NKJV</a></i>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/markbatterson" target="_blank">Mark Batterson on Twitter</a></td></tr>
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</div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/33879592014-12-11T12:58:00-05:002017-01-13T08:42:04-05:00DNT TXT N WRSHP<div>
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<i>Posted by <a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship" target="_blank">Kurt Scobie</a> on December 11, 2014 </i><br><br><br>This a post about some "stuff" we have to work out in our lives as worshipers of Jesus.<br><br>I see it in the corporate worship setting all the time. Maybe you've sat or stood next to someone like this before. Or maybe this is you...<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bBYx_obK2a8/VImozCUdESI/AAAAAAAAa-8/TK9CoLjGlzA/s1600/smartphone%2Baddiction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//3.bp.blogspot.com/-bBYx_obK2a8/VImozCUdESI/AAAAAAAAa-8/TK9CoLjGlzA/s1600/smartphone%2Baddiction.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="196" width="200" /></a></div>Sometimes, as I look out into the crowd during worship, I am surprised at how many camera flashes and red video recording lights I see as we head into the "big" parts of songs. Someone's favorite singer or favorite song has just begun, so the camera is rolling. And then there are the "live-tweeters" giving their followers a running news report of their "worship experience". Instagram is loaded with collages (complete with captions and about a bazillion hashtags) by people bragging about how good worship is at their church.<br><br>We seem to be more interested in creating a beautiful play-by-play documentary of our religious activities, than actually engaging our hearts. So, instead of actually being present in the "big" moments, we settle for low-resolution and poor audio quality memorabilia that will be lost or deleted along with our cat photos. </div>
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<div>Our hearts are disengaged.<br><br>And that is at the root of the problem. I don't necessarily have a problem with people wanting to snap a photo or even a video to show how awesome our church is. I mean, it is awesome. I'm proud of the work that everyone does to bring together each of the worship services each week in my.<br><br>The problem is distraction. The problem is a lack of engagement in what is happening in the "here" and "now". The problem is that we are treating this sickness and loneliness in our souls with something other than God. We're worshiping the blessings instead of the source of those blessings.</div>
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<br>I have to ask, what are we really collecting all of these digital memorabilia for anyway?<br><br><b>The irony is that while we are feeding our smartphone addiction during corporate worship, we are missing out on the very thing we need to free us from that addiction. </b><br><br>Today, I challenge you to surrender. Smartphone and all. Not because no one should ever take a picture during worship, but because we rob ourselves of the opportunity to receive from God. AND we rob God of the opportunity to receive from us our undivided attention in worship.<br><br>So, please. Open your heart, not your Instagram.<br><br>Engage your mind, not your camera.<br><br>Sing from the depths of your soul.<br><br>Bring your finest offerings to the house of God. A sacrifice of praise.<br><br>Worship Jesus as though he really is alive and in the room. He is.</div>
</div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/33360252014-11-27T11:15:00-05:002017-01-13T08:42:04-05:00Day-To-Day Worship: Thanksgiving<span style="font-size: x-small;">Day-To-Day Worship: Thanksgiving </span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">November 27, 2014 </span><br><div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a> </span></div><div></div><br><i><br></i> <i>"Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name." <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+100%3A4&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 100:4</a></i><br><div class="ResultText" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;"></div><br><div>
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</div><div>More than the food and company, I love the reminder that comes with the holiday. That giving thanks to God should be the first prayer, the first words, the first action every day. In Psalm 100:4 it says to ENTER with thanksgiving. </div><div>
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<div>How many times are our prayers a "to-do" list for God? And while we often are asking for really good things, we're still asking instead of giving.</div>
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<div>So, today as I read the different scriptures coming at me from texts, Facebook, etc. about thanksgiving, I am reminded to reposition myself. I am reminded to "make thankfulness your sacrifice to God" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+50%3A14&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 50:14</a>) because "giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors" God (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+50%3A23&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 50:23</a>).</div>
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<div>It is amazing the freedom and contentment that we have when we remember to give thanks. More than ever, we need to be thankful for the blessings God has given (especially as we head into Black Friday and this crazy Christmas season).</div>
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<div>I pray that your Thanksgiving is filled with thanksgiving. That you would experience the joy of this holiday by pausing to acknowledge all that you have. </div>
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<div>I pray that the spirit of this day carries on to tomorrow, and the day after, and every day that you have after that. Because every day is a gift. A gift filled with many gifts. <br><br>With that, I wish you a very joyful Thanksgiving. Today and every day.<br><br><i>"Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods." - <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+95%3A2-3&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 95:2-3</a></i><div class="ResultText" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;">
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</div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/33222812014-11-24T04:00:00-05:002014-11-24T08:29:52-05:00Out of Hiding<span style="font-size: x-small;">Out of Hiding </span>
<div><span style="font-size: x-small;">November 24, 2014 </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a> </span><br> </div>
<div>Since I first heard <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbethelmusic.com%2Fartist%2Fsteffany-frizzell-gretzinger%2F&ei=BCluVLPkJMSkgwT_44KACg&usg=AFQjCNFSkTIo2b5uZJ-8SpiK7OpfQY-Hxw&sig2=SmzfuE16lvI8XwZo_JRrSg" target="_blank">Steffany Gretzinger</a> (then Steffany Frizzell), I was a fan. The passion and power in her voice has inspired me as a singer and worshiper. And her new album "The Undoing" has inspired me as a songwriter.<br><br><a href="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh3.ggpht.com%2F-ry6q6xqOGps%2FVGOswK33IVI%2FAAAAAAAAaYQ%2FBzARtbiU-Gc%2Fs640%2FScreenshot_2014-11-12-13-45-29.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Flh3.ggpht.com%2F-ry6q6xqOGps%2FVGOswK33IVI%2FAAAAAAAAaYQ%2FBzARtbiU-Gc%2Fs640%2FScreenshot_2014-11-12-13-45-29.png&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="180" width="320" /></a>Today, her song "Out of Hiding" has been on repeat. Every line pierces right to my heart. I love songs, like this one, that speak life and hope.
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-size: large;">"Oh as you run,<br>What hindered love,<br>Will only become<br>Part of the story"</span></blockquote>
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<div>If you haven't yet heard her music, I implore you to stop reading this and listen to the song (lyric video is below). I'll wait...<br><br>(still waiting)...<br><br>So good.<br><br>More than anything else these days, I believe this is the message we need to hear. That Jesus is calling each person "out of hiding". That he sees the things we try to hide. That he loves us regardless. That he desires to be with us, regardless of where we've been and what we've done.<br><br>To encourage us to keep going. To urge us to "don't quit now". Because when we choose to come home to Him, he runs out to meet us when we are still a long way off. He embraces us. He kisses us. He celebrates! He says;<br><br><i>"Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found." - <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+15%3A22-24&version=ESV" target="_blank">Luke 15:22-24</a></i><br><br> </div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XFkDqQtfs0w" width="560"></iframe>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/33095072014-11-20T11:50:00-05:002017-01-13T08:42:04-05:00A Lesson from Thomas the Tank Engine<div dir="ltr">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A Lesson from Thomas the Tank Engine</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">November 20, 2014</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship" target="_blank">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a> </span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--IZtLpDj688/VG4XRF0RGpI/AAAAAAAAanU/uIT6_C0NEIE/s1600/ThomasandtheJetEngine.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//1.bp.blogspot.com/--IZtLpDj688/VG4XRF0RGpI/AAAAAAAAanU/uIT6_C0NEIE/s1600/ThomasandtheJetEngine.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="118" width="200" /></a></div>My two-year-old loves trains. Anything with wheels, really. But, playing with trains, and watching Thomas the train are by far his biggest requests each and EVERY morning.<br><br>So, I've watched more Thomas the Tank Engine episodes in the past six months than I can count. And something each of the animated train characters continue to strive for is <i>usefulness</i>. But, sometimes they strive a little too much.<br><br>A lot episodes are about how the engines are getting into trouble because they get jealous and get competitive. Thomas has found himself stuck in snow drifts, speeding out of control, and derailed (among other predicaments) <b>when he tries to do things he is not designed to do</b>.</div>
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<br>You can probably see how this connects to us.<br><br>How many times do we look at something someone else is doing and desire to live their life instead of our own? How many times each day do we find ourselves comparing our abilities to those around us? And where does this land us?<br><br>Stuck. Racing out of control. Derailed.<br><br><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ll_RQEb8Vi4/VG4SEjaI2AI/AAAAAAAAanI/uWi29j3tmcc/s1600/comparison%2Bis%2Bthe%2Bthief%2Bof%2Bjoy%2Btheodore%2Broosevelt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="//3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ll_RQEb8Vi4/VG4SEjaI2AI/AAAAAAAAanI/uWi29j3tmcc/s1600/comparison%2Bis%2Bthe%2Bthief%2Bof%2Bjoy%2Btheodore%2Broosevelt.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="318" width="320" /></a>Comparison, "the thief of joy", misleads us into things we are not designed for. When you're busy trying to keep up with someone else's purpose, you miss out on your own. Racing down the wrong tracks leads to the wrong destination. The wrong purpose.<br><br>At the end of the day, when Thomas and his friends learned their lessons and did the jobs they were designed to do, Sir Topham Hatt declared that they were all really useful engines.<br><br>In the same way, when we stop comparing and competing, our Father looks at us and says "I am pleased with you", because the best we can be is ourselves. Being at our "best" is not in comparison to anyone. It is knowing and walking in God's purpose for our lives. It is being content with our own set of abilities. Content with the unique track God has laid before us.<br><br>By the power of the Holy Spirit, our aim is to be like Jesus. No one else. That, with contentment, is great gain. Only then can we be "really useful".<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div>
<i>"Now godliness with contentment is great gain." - <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+6%3A6&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 Timothy 6:6</a></i>
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</div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/32335412014-10-15T10:30:00-04:002017-01-13T08:42:03-05:00Day-To-Day Worship - Kindness<span style="font-size: x-small;">Day-To-Day Worship - Kindness<br>October 15, 2014<br><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a> </span><br><br><br><i>"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3%3A12&version=NLT">Colossians 3:12</a></i><br><br><a href="http://www.layoutsparks.com/1/248980/pregnancy-infant-loss-awareness.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//images2.layoutsparks.com/1/248980/pregnancy-infant-loss-awareness.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" alt="pregnancy infant loss awareness pictures, backgrounds and images" /></a>At my home church we talk about what worship looks like "off the platform". Every singer, musician, and communicator is encouraged to understand the importance of bringing glory to God when they are OFF the stage. We aim to make worship a lifestyle, not just a 20-minute set of songs at the beginning of weekend services.<br><div><br></div><br><div>One big way I think the Church can worship God is the way we love people. Specifically, the way we care for the brokenhearted and grieving.</div><div><br></div><div>Today is <a href="http://www.october15th.com/" target="_blank">Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day</a>. You might not have heard about it because people are generally uncomfortable talking and hearing about death, much less the death of a child. And people grieve in so many different ways it is difficult to know what to say or how to help.</div><div><br></div><div>However, if you are a part of the Church, it is about time you get uncomfortable. Contrary to some Americanized teachings of the Bible, Jesus did not come to give us a life of safety and comfort. I believe that we are called to go into awkward situations and be a light. And speak life. And just love people. Whatever their mess is. However awkward their situation.</div><div><br></div><div>Perhaps you know a mother who has a child in heaven. One in four women have experienced the loss of their baby, so I'm sure you do know someone. There is a very large community of men and women who have experienced the loss of their babies. Many who are in need of an encouraging word or just someone to ask them how they're doing.<br><br>When my wife and I lost our baby in September of 2011 a few friends/family came and visited us in the hospital and that meant the world to us. I know it wasn't a fun time for them, but they loved us well.<br><br>Especially for a worship leader, ministry is sometimes glamorous and fun and uplifting. And there is certainly a place for that. Yet, if we do not love people outside of church, during the difficult times, our Sunday morning worship is empty. We can sing all day long about being the hands and feet of Jesus, but if those hands and feet never get dirty, we miss out on a more meaningful and powerful worship experience.<br><br>So, who do you know that may need a tender word, or a gentle conversation? How can you show kindness to the brokenhearted around you? How can you love God by loving people? Since we are God's chosen people, let's clothe ourselves with mercy and gentleness and kindness and patience and humility. Let's put these things into action. This is true worship.</div><div><br></div><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/167976059&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe><br>"Rest In Me" by Kurt Scobie: <a href="https://soundcloud.com/worship-leader/rest-in-me-live">https://soundcloud.com/worship-leader/rest-in-me-live</a>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/32013932014-09-24T06:00:00-04:002014-09-24T18:05:42-04:00Your Well is Getting Low (and Dirty)<span style="font-size: x-small;">Your Well is Getting Low (and Dirty)</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">September 24, 2014</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a></span><br><br><i>"Nothing in this world will satisfy</i><br><i>Jesus you're the cup that won't run dry." - Israel Houghton (Your Presence Is Heaven)</i><br><br>I grew up in southeastern Michigan. From the back deck at my parents' house you could see miles and miles of farm land (especially after harvest season). I am a country boy through and through.<br><br>My family didn't do any farming except for occasionally helping our farmer friends nearby. But, there were plenty of chores to be done around the house. Mowing the lawn, planting and weeding the garden, cutting and hauling wood, and plenty of other little jobs were the norm on weekends and during the summer.<br><br>I remember one particularly dirty (and fun) job that my brothers and I helped my dad with; cleaning the cistern. For those of you who are unfamiliar, a cistern is similar to a well, except we had to regularly refill it. And, for us, the cistern was used for everything but drinking water (we put bleach in it). In a family of eight, that is a LOT of water. Rainwater could not keep up with us. So, my dad had to drive his Chevy S-10 in to town, pulling a trailer with a large tank to fill it up at the town water treatment plant. And then he had to pull the tank full of water home to fill up the cistern. Sometimes it required a couple trips. It was quite an involved process.<br><br>Anyway, the cistern had to be cleaned a few times throughout the years. It was quite a job. The large underground tank had to be completely emptied, then scrubbed, then rinsed (and emptied again), and then refilled with clean water. It was kinda fun for us boys, climbing down inside the cistern, finding frogs, and getting dirty.<br><br>Today, as I think about this childhood memory, I am reminded of how important it is for us to allow Jesus to keep our "cisterns" clean and filled.<br><br>It is far too common for us to allow our wells to get low and run dry. When you neglect your well, your source of healthy spiritual life, you disconnect from that source of "living water".<br><br><i>Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” - John 4:13-14</i><br><i><br></i>Too often we try to fill ourselves up with "non-living water". There are some great teachings out there. Helpful information. Empowering blogs, articles, TED talks, and inspirational music. But, NOTHING is truly life-giving except spending time in the presence of God.<br><br>Furthermore, when we spend more and more time with Jesus, it isn't long before we begin to change. All of the gunk that builds up in our "cisterns" cannot just be left alone. Sanctification happens when we allow the Word of God to wash over us. After all, what good is it to put clean water in a dirty well?<br><br>What a process. It can be overwhelming!<br><br>Thankfully, it is not by our own strength that we are made clean. Yes, it requires us to remove the heavy concrete lid that covers the old cistern buried deep inside. However, it is Jesus who gently comes in and actually does the dirty work.<br><br>It takes real vulnerability. It takes true surrender. It requires humble submission. But the reward is a well that is more like a spring that is fresh and bubbling with eternal life.<br><br><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify:track:7AUh5smcrnMazGVwbaln1d" width="300"></iframe>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31891272014-09-16T09:25:00-04:002014-09-16T09:50:55-04:00Rest In Me [Original Song]<span style="font-size: x-small;">Rest In Me [Original Song]</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">September 16, 2014</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a></span><br><br><i>"Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;<br>All Your waves and billows have gone over me.<br>The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,<br>And in the night His song shall be with me—<br>A prayer to the God of my life." - Psalm 42:7-8</i><div><br></div><div>Rest is difficult. There are so many distractions. There is so much to do. From the moment we wake up there are notifications, and messages, and to-do lists, and emails, and work to be done. There are people who want our time. Everything and everyone seems to pull us in every direction.</div><div><br></div><div>Yet, our Heavenly Father is calling us close to Him, every day, to set ALL of that aside and rest in Him. </div><div><br></div><div>I suck at resting. My mind goes a bazillion miles per hour all day long. It is very challenging to sit quietly before God, turn my thoughts off, and listen. </div><div><br></div><div>But, the reward is great when we can learn to do this! Time with God is so rich and good. </div><div><br></div><div>As I have been practicing rest (however inconsistently), God has been revealing his goodness and kindness. This original song, "Rest In Me", came from spending time with God and listening to His voice.</div><div><br></div><div>He whispers, calling us to come. To lay everything down. To allow Him to heal us and set us free. To be encouraged. To be made whole. To experience how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is.<br><br><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/167976059&color=0066cc&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe>
</div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31838492014-09-12T07:00:00-04:002014-09-12T08:03:11-04:00Maybe I Am The Problem<span style="font-size: x-small;">Maybe I Am The Problem </span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">September 12, 2014 </span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship" target="_blank">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a> </span><br><br>I used to get frustrated (ok, to be honest, I still get frustrated) when people would not participate in worship. As a worship leader or pastor, you know what I'm talking about.<br><br>They come in (late). They sit down. They stare at you, blankly. And even when EVERYONE around them is singing or clapping or raising their hands, they are just... kinda... there. While I am up there pouring out my heart in worship (of the almighty God of the ENTIRE UNIVERSE, who chose to come to earth as a human being and GET MURDERED so that I could have ETERNAL LIFE with that same GOD of the ENTIRE UNIVERSE) they sit there with their arms folded, as though they just don't care. Gah!!!<br><br><b>Well, I still have some growing up to do.</b><br><br>I have a responsibility as a worship leader to accept each person, wherever they're coming from, whatever state they're in. I have a responsibility to not just "read the crowd" but to have an ongoing conversation with the Holy Spirit about what to say and how to truly lead people in worship.<br><br>So, I am learning how to encourage and challenge people to engage in worship without getting frustrated in the process. And it IS a process. Each of us has our own journey. And while I am pointing to Jesus (my main responsibility as a worship leader), I need to get out of the way so that God can do His work.<br><br>And, believe it or not, the person who seems to be the least engaged during the music, is often the one in whom God is doing the greatest work.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31765522014-09-08T07:00:00-04:002017-01-13T08:42:02-05:00Beautiful Grace<span style="font-size: x-small;">Beautiful Grace </span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">September 8, 2014 </span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a> </span><br><br>Today is a special day in my family.<br><br>I can't believe it has been three years. Our first baby, Bella Grace, was so special. So precious. And even though we didn't even meet her, she has had a profound impact on us. She will never be forgotten. And her story lives on to impact others for good.<br><br>It has been quite a journey since September 8th, 2011. Each year is different for me and my wife. Yet, the pain of that loss still sneaks up on us and it feels like just yesterday that we were sitting in that hospital room trying to recover from getting a hole blown through our hearts.<br><br>It still hurts!<br><br>Yet, there is grace. I remember journaling a little after our baby girl went to be with Jesus. And the only reason I did is because I saw God's loving, gentle, and compassionate hand working good things out of our brokenness and pain. I just had to write it all down. We were covered in love and prayer by so many friends and family members. I am still thankful for the acts of kindness, the timely words, and the sacrifices made by people just to show us that they cared.<br><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g44WZltzwSY/VA0xqr9BQUI/AAAAAAAAZHs/25BfS498Hgw/s1600/IMG_20140908_002746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/-g44WZltzwSY/VA0xqr9BQUI/AAAAAAAAZHs/25BfS498Hgw/s1600/IMG_20140908_002746.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="320" width="320" /></a></div><div>We didn't name our baby right away. We were, as most parents are, caught off guard by the whole situation. But, because of how we saw God moving, "Bella Grace" seemed perfect (just like her). Since then God's "beautiful grace" continues to show up in unexpected places.</div><div><br></div><div>Today I am thankful for perspective. I certainly do not understand the entire big picture, and I have a LOT of unanswered questions for God. But, I am thankful for how God brought beauty and grace out of a horrible situation.</div><div><br></div><div>And today I worship God for all that He is. And my eyes are fixed on heaven more and more intensely. Because I believe that one day, after coming face to face with God and running into the arms of Jesus, I will run with the same amount of excitement and intensity to my little girl and hold on to her for the rest of eternity. </div><div><br></div><div>So, today is a special day. A good day. A difficult day. A beautiful (Bella) day. </div><div><br></div><i>"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed." - <a href="https://t.co/r3ZEzdwL6h" target="_blank">Psalm 34:18</a></i><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31726312014-09-05T07:00:00-04:002020-09-14T08:17:34-04:00Holy (Wedding Day)<span style="font-size: x-small;">Holy Wedding Day</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">September 5, 2014</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a></span><br><br><i>"This is the story of a bride in white <br>Waiting on her wedding day <br>Anticipation welling up inside <br>While the groom is crowned the King" </i><i>- The City Harmonic "Holy (Wedding Day)"</i><br><br>I love this picture.<br><br>In case you need the explanation, the Church is the bride in white. Jesus is the groom. And that "in white" part just blows my mind every time I hear (or sing) this song. Through Jesus we are made worthy to be the bride of Christ. Through the blood of Jesus, we are washed clean. Not one of us, by our own merit, deserves to be clothed in white at all.<br><br>I think about my life and all of the mistakes I've made. And all of my character flaws. And my shortcomings. And I know that without a savior, a redeemer, I am completely hopeless. My wrongs have earned me eternal separation from God.<br><br>But, Jesus.<br><br>I grew up in the church, attending services pretty much every Sunday. And I quickly learned that "Jesus" was the answer to just about any question my sunday school teachers asked (also "God", "Bible", and "Pray").<br><br>And the answer hasn't changed all these years later. The only change is in me. I am slowly beginning to "get it". I am extremely thankful for a loving God who is patient and kind. He is so faithful. And one day, his bride will stand before him, in the most beautiful wedding ceremony, beside a sea of glass, and all that was and is will stand before us and sing over us.<br><br>That gives me such hope. This world can be so devastating and disappointing. So much hurt. So much loss. And most of the time I feel like I just don't "fit in". Because I don't. I was made (and so were you) for eternal life. Not for death. And when I think about that day when I go home to be with Jesus, the troubles don't seem so troubling. The trials don't seem too hard. Heaven is worth it. Jesus is worth it.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jH_PUPm-ZyI/VAXoqB4gNzI/AAAAAAAAY84/rJZRAXuRNs8/s1600/Covered%2BAlbum%2BThumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/-jH_PUPm-ZyI/VAXoqB4gNzI/AAAAAAAAY84/rJZRAXuRNs8/s1600/Covered%2BAlbum%2BThumbnail.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="200" width="200" /></a><i>On September 2nd, my church released an album of worship music recorded LIVE during our weekend services. "Covered Live" features 10 tracks of our favorite worship songs, including "Holy Wedding Day" which I had the honor of singing. Here are a few places where you can get it. Enjoy!</i><br><div>
<br>iTunes: <a href="http://bit.ly/1r8MOXC">http://bit.ly/1r8MOXC</a><br>Amazon: <a href="http://amzn.to/VQbnMx">http://amzn.to/VQbnMx</a><br>Spotify: <a href="http://zooglelabs.com/campaigns/263315/2369624/aHR0cDovL3QuY28vSHZibG92SGp4Sw==">http://t.co/HvblovHjxK</a>
</div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31674492014-09-02T07:00:00-04:002017-01-13T08:42:02-05:00NEW ALBUM "Covered" with Montell Jordan<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">NEW ALBUM "Covered" with Montell Jordan</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">September 2, 2014</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship"><span style="font-size: x-small;">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ7LS-rzjwE/U9vzI-tfSSI/AAAAAAAAYUc/826pVz80XUM/s1600/Kurt+Scobie+Covered+Album+Cover+Victory+World+Music+Montell+Jordan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ7LS-rzjwE/U9vzI-tfSSI/AAAAAAAAYUc/826pVz80XUM/s1600/Kurt+Scobie+Covered+Album+Cover+Victory+World+Music+Montell+Jordan.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="200" width="200" /></a>Friends, I am super excited to share with you something that has been in the works for a while. My home church, <a href="http://www.victoryatl.com/" target="_blank">Victory World Church - Norcross, GA</a>, has a new album of worship music available TODAY! Our worship pastor Montell Jordan and Victory World Music have poured into this LIVE album and we are really excited for you to hear it!<br><br>These worship cover songs are representations of what we do each week at Victory, and features different worship leaders (including me!) from within the church. So, I hope you'll check it out!<br><br>We pray that this album would reach a lot of people and that through this music people would know the covering that God provides for his people <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2091%20&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 91</a>.<br><br><b>Here's where you can find "Covered":</b><br><br>iTunes: <a href="http://bit.ly/1r8MOXC">http://bit.ly/1r8MOXC</a><br>Amazon: <a href="http://amzn.to/VQbnMx">http://amzn.to/VQbnMx</a><br><br>
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br></div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31650052014-08-31T07:35:00-04:002017-01-13T08:42:02-05:00Because He First Loved Me<span style="font-size: x-small;">Because He First Loved Me </span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 31, 2014 </span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a> </span><br><br>I love being a dad. My son, Judah (2), is a BLAST! Cars, trucks, books, dancing, bugs, singing (ish), and so many more activities fill our days and leave me exhausted and happy.<br><br>One of the best things about having a child is seeing the heart of God in new ways. God has spoken to me so many times through experiences with my son, I am just blown away.<br><br>The other night my wife and I were getting Judah ready for bed. After we brushed his teeth (Judah likes the spitting part), put his PJs on, and said prayers I decided I just wanted to hold him for a bit. I love spending time with that kid (Our heavenly father has that same thought, you know).<br><br>As I was sitting and rocking him I said "I love you, Judah" to which he replied "I love you, daddy" Now, as adorable as that is, Judah doesn't really know what love is. Except for what he has seen and experienced. Love is learned.<br><br>The old <a href="http://youtu.be/5DZR2Ky_hlc" target="_blank">sunday school song</a> came to mind in that moment;<br><br><i>Oh how I love Jesus</i><br><i>Oh how I love Jesus</i><br><i>Oh how I love Jesus</i><br><i>Because he first loved me</i><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qL47v8-sVw4/U_08ASKpRmI/AAAAAAAAYwA/puxM_Aa_Alk/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-08-26%2Bat%2B10.00.57%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/-qL47v8-sVw4/U_08ASKpRmI/AAAAAAAAYwA/puxM_Aa_Alk/s1600/Screen%2Bshot%2B2014-08-26%2Bat%2B10.00.57%2BPM.png" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="168" width="200" /></a></div>We love because he loved us first. And the truth is, I don't really know that much more about love than my two-year-old. In fact, I may actually know less about love than Judah because he has less religion and fewer scars on him. The more I learn and grow, the more I realize how little I know.<br><br>Apart from God, there is no love. God is love, so all love originates from him. And just as Judah is learning how to love from me (scary), I am learning how to love from my heavenly father.<br><br>In worship this is the starting point. When we lose sight of this truth, we begin to head down the wrong path. I desire my worship to come from a place of authentically growing deeper in the love of Christ Jesus. Outside of that I will only fail as a leader.<br><br><i>"We love because He first loved us." <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+4%3A19&version=NIV" target="_blank">1 John 4:19</a></i><br><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31602912014-08-28T07:00:00-04:002017-01-13T08:42:01-05:00Rhythms of Grace<span style="font-size: x-small;">Rhythms of Grace </span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 28, 2014 </span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a> </span><br><br>2013 was probably the toughest year of my life. So much went wrong. So much attack from the enemy. So much stupidity on my part. So much "life" was thrown at me and my family. And, of course, there was a soundtrack to help me get through it.<br><br><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hKaNR3PoXSo/U_1AgIklRMI/AAAAAAAAYwI/KXgbLqID5l4/s1600/Hillsong%2BChapel%2BForever%2BReign%2BAlbum%2BCover%2Bimage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/-hKaNR3PoXSo/U_1AgIklRMI/AAAAAAAAYwI/KXgbLqID5l4/s1600/Hillsong%2BChapel%2BForever%2BReign%2BAlbum%2BCover%2Bimage.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="200" width="200" /></a>I wore out the <a href="https://hillsong.com/store/products/music/hillsong-worship/forever-reign/" target="_blank">"Forever Reign" CD by Hillsong Chapel</a>. That album was on repeat in the Scoburban on many long drives for most of last year. Actually, I just ordered another copy of it because I lost it when we moved and my CD collection just could not live without it.<br><br>One of the most powerful lyrics for me in the song "Rhythms of Grace" says <i>"You're there in the dark of the night, while holding the sun and its light, through the triumph and trials alike, there's no one beside you."</i><br><br>Through trials, pain, trouble, storms, dark times, and turmoil, God is there. And during all of that, he is still holding the light. There is no one who can sit with us through both triumphs and trials like God can. He is always there. Always patient and kind. Always gracefully realigning our steps as we move through this life.<br><br>The key is to learn to continue to move forward, and not just repeat, over and over, the mistakes that cause so much pain. To learn how to lean more into God through trials. To trust Jesus, unlike the disciples in <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+4%3A35-41&version=NLT" target="_blank">Mark 4:35-41</a>, when he says “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake” and ride out the storm in faith.<br><br>I know I certainly have a long way to go when it comes to trusting Jesus like that. Sometimes I wonder if Jesus is asleep through my storms.<br><br><b>I suppose that just means that God is confident that we are going to make it to the other side.</b><br><br>Hallelujah!<br><br>There is none beside you, God!<br><br><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/164509734&color=ff5500" width="100%"></iframe> <br><i>I'm caught in the rhythms of grace</i><br><i>They overcome all of my ways</i><br><i>Realigning each step every day</i><br><i>To live for your glory -Hillsong, "Rhythms of Grace"</i><br><br><br><br><br><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31541512014-08-25T07:00:00-04:002017-01-13T08:42:01-05:00Be Still<span style="font-size: x-small;">Be Still</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 25, 2014</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a></span><br><br>If you've been a part of the Christian faith for more than 2 minutes, you know how easily we can get lost in all that we need to DO for God. Faith certainly requires action and as children of God we have great responsibilities in the Kingdom. Yet, our culture seems to add a measure of "performance-mentality" to that. Our theology might say that we're saved by grace, but our actions say that if we just work hard enough we can earn God's love and approval. Yikes!<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fAgwjHFdIRk/U_n9U8pcDSI/AAAAAAAAYtc/v0PO2qMxXRg/s1600/Be%2BStill%2BBeautiful%2BStream%2BImage%2BKurt%2BScobie%2BWorship%2BLeader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/-fAgwjHFdIRk/U_n9U8pcDSI/AAAAAAAAYtc/v0PO2qMxXRg/s1600/Be%2BStill%2BBeautiful%2BStream%2BImage%2BKurt%2BScobie%2BWorship%2BLeader.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>In our busy world there is an increasing and urgent need to learn how to be quiet before God. Let me be the first to admit that I am terrible at this. Give me 5 seconds of silence and I'll get antsy and begin making a list in my head of all that I need to accomplish.<br><br>God is speaking, though, and he desperately wants us to hear. After all, he truly is a loving father who enjoys spending time with his children. This has taken me a while (30 years) to understand. Thankfully, God has been faithful to me. He is so patient. So kind. He really is a good father.<br><br>This song, Be Still, is a favorite of mine from <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbethelmusic.com%2F&ei=3_j5U-mJG8OcyATmnIDgDA&usg=AFQjCNG5pK2tpUMxgL22GbMo0Y243B73WQ&sig2=XKNWL1_1RWqlgvuyh4CXKg&bvm=bv.73612305,d.aWw" target="_blank">Bethel</a>. It is a gentle reminder that rest takes practice. And if we can learn to be quiet before God, we will hear him. And he has so much to say to us.<br><br><i>"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!" <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps.103.1&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Ps 103:1</a></i><br><br><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/164510479&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31516742014-08-23T07:00:00-04:002014-08-25T15:13:36-04:00Come As You Are<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Come As You Are</span><br><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">August 23, 2014</span><br><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a></span><br><br>(David) Crowder has made another great record. Powerful lyrics. Catchy music. Quirky sounds. I don't really consider myself a Crowder fan necessarily, but I have a great appreciation for what that band is putting out there.<br><br>If I had to pick a favorite from the "Neon Steeple" album, "Come As You Are" might just be the one.<br><br>Songs about redemption, grace, mercy, acceptance, and inviting the lost back into God's family are especially powerful for me. That message is so important. I don't know about you, but I definitely see myself in the <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2015:11-32&version=NRSV" target="_blank">Parable of the Prodigal Son</a> (Luke 15:11-32). BOTH sons' stories resonate with me.<br><br>Any time we can retell God's story of welcoming outsiders and redeeming the lost, we should. There are far too many religious people spreading hatred and slamming doors in the face of prodigals and those who are hurting. But, God is calling his children back home. And when His lost sons and daughters return, celebration erupts. Heaven rejoices.<br><br>I recorded this simple version of "Come As You Are" because I absolutely love the call to the hurting and lonely in this song. I hope you like it.<br><br><br><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>"'...let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!'"</i></div><br><div><br></div><iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/163312022&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe> <br><br><br><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31428422014-08-18T17:08:00-04:002014-08-18T17:15:48-04:00Arise!<span style="font-size: x-small;">Arise!</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 18, 2014</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a></span><br><br>I don't remember much from the encounter. It happened fast and there was a lot going on at the time.<br><br>We were in-between services and I was on my way backstage or something. I always have a lot on my mind, especially when I am leading worship. So, I was thinking about the next set, or some lyrics that I had forgotten or something, when a man stopped me in the hall.<br><br>He was kind and calm. But, he spoke somewhat quickly. He said a lot of different things to me but I only remember one word.<br><br>"Arise!"<br><br>I probably only remember that one word because he said it over and over again. "Arise! Arise! Arise! Arise!" He was whispering, by the end of it.<br><br>And just like that it was over. He was gone.<br><br>I wish I had paid more attention. I am learning to listen when God speaks through people (prophets) like that, but I still seem to miss things. I wish I could be quick enough to say "wait, let me get out my phone and record this". Then again, I should just pay more attention.<br><br>Anyway, all I heard was "arise" and that's probably the most important thing.<br><br>I spend a lot of time thinking about my mistakes, saying "I'm sorry" and generally just groveling before God. And not in a good way. It is one thing to repent of your sins, but there comes a point when we need to recognize the forgiveness that has already been given and ARISE!<br><br>So, I'm working on that (God is working on that in me).<br><br>It is amazing how much more confident and bold I feel after spending time with my Father God. I am learning what it means to live as a son and know the greatness and royalty of the family I have been adopted into. It is humbling, yet I get a new sense of pride -in a good way. In the way a little boy takes pride in knowing his daddy is King of the universe and has everything in the palm of his hand. Including me.<br><br>And that is why we are called to "Arise!"<br><br>God has given us a new name. A new strength. A new courage. A new confidence. A new story. A new family. We are adopted into the royal line!<br><br>Sometimes I don't think we allow that to sink in. Take a moment and think about that. We are sons and daughters. Of the KING. Of everything! Whew!<br><br>Arise!<br><br><i>"Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you." -Isaiah 60:1</i><br><br><br><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31364972014-08-14T07:00:00-04:002014-08-19T23:23:37-04:00Don't Tell Me What To Do<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Don't Tell Me What To Do</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 14, 2014</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a></span><br><br>I don't know where to begin with this post. I'm probably going to piss some people off. I'll do my best to communicate with love, but this is a touchy subject.</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div><div dir="ltr">We seem to have this attitude in our culture that increasingly encourages people to be independent. Which, when put like that, may not seem like such a bad thing. Independence is good, right? Self-driven, self-motivated, self-sustaining... sounds like something to aspire to, right? Well, I suppose. However, there is another attitude that has snuck in there.<br><br>Let me ask you, do you have a few close friends whom you trust to tell you the truth in love? Do you listen to them if they suggest you do something you don't want to do (that you probably SHOULD do)?<br><br>"Because, I can" and "It's my life, I'll do what I want" aren't great reasons to do what you do. Yet, I see so many choosing this way. And then I see them follow through, on their own, and land in a pile of... pain. And this usually happens more than once. Some people live their entire lives like this.<br><br>How sad.<br><br>How sad when you see someone you love do things like this.<br><br>I have made some pretty poor decisions in my life, I must say. The pain and consequences of those decisions have been quite big. If I had only submitted myself to trusted friends, I could have avoided a LOT of devastation. A lot of hurt.<br><br>I can tell you with complete confidence that making decisions as a lone ranger will not get you your desired outcome in life. You may be smart. You may be strong. You may be a lot of good things all alone. But, we are ALL better off when we submit to one another. When we trust one another.<br><br>Though I work as an "independent" (or "indie") artist, my world functions much better when I am interdependent.<br><br>I need people. I need my trusted inner-circle to tackle me before walking off a cliff. I need my honest accountability partners to shout at me before turning the wrong way down a one-way street. I need to learn from wise mentors who have gone before me, so that I do not repeat the same mistakes they have made.<br><br>No one was designed to live as an island. You were made for community. It is a lot more work, sometimes. Yet, so much richer. So much better.<br><br>If you are making decisions (especially big ones) independent of others, I urge you to find those trusted friends to help you. Get a mentor who is older and more experienced than you. Go see a counselor who is wise and LISTEN to what they have to say. Lay down your pride. Stop for a moment and consider if the path you're on is getting you to where you want to go. Don't do life so independently.<br><br>What area of your life do you need to open up to a trusted friend and allow them to speak into?<br><br>
</div><div dir="ltr">
<i>"Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 11:14 NKJV</i><br><div><br></div>
</div><div dir="ltr"><br></div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31305962014-08-11T07:00:00-04:002014-08-11T10:01:37-04:00Ouch!<div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ouch!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 11, 2014</span></div><div><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship"><span style="font-size: x-small;">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</span></a></div><div><br></div><div>I love listening to sermons. Good sermons. God-sermons. There are a handful of pastors whom I listen to their weekly messages via podcasts and I always learn something. </div><div><br></div><div>One of my favorite communicators is the senior pastor of Bethel Church in Redding, California -Bill Johnson. I can just tell that he has spent a lot of his time in the presence of God. I had the pleasure of visiting Bethel while touring the Pacific Northwest in 2013. Some worship leader heroes of mine lead there, and I have great respect for the leadership of that church. </div><div><br></div><div>Here is a quote I recently stumbled upon from Bill Johnson; </div><div><br></div><i>"If you engage with the Holy spirit because you want to merely be effective in ministry, then you’re developing professional intimacy…and what do we call people who are intimate as a profession?"</i><br><div><br></div><div>Wow.</div><div><br></div><div>My worship pastor Montell Jordan says "If you can't say 'Amen!' say 'Ouch!'" And this is definitely an "Ouch!" for me. As much as I desire to be truly humble and authentic in my relationship with God, I can get overly focused on my performance as a leader and lose focus of the health of my heart -in the name of being effective in ministry. Yikes.<br><br>If there is one thing I am learning more than anything in 2014, it is the importance of being connected with God personally and privately every single day. Not for the sake of the people I lead, but for my own life. And that isn't selfish. There is a very good reason that flight attendants instruct passengers to put their own oxygen mask on before helping others when they give their little spiel before takeoff.<br><br>I certainly want to have my personal experience with God spill over into everything I do, but hopefully I can steer clear of being "professionally intimate".</div>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31285302014-08-09T07:00:00-04:002020-08-19T02:46:10-04:00Teachable<span style="font-size: x-small;">Teachable</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 9, 2014</span><br><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship"><span style="font-size: x-small;">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</span></a><br><br>I think that "humility" will be an ongoing theme on this blog. I am just a few posts in and I really want to be sure that I am coming from a place of true humility and with a teachable spirit.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJzfRMR_6_s/U9wIoVFBYzI/AAAAAAAAYU0/9oCtY--6okk/s1600/Kurt+Scobie+Humble+Quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="//2.bp.blogspot.com/-LJzfRMR_6_s/U9wIoVFBYzI/AAAAAAAAYU0/9oCtY--6okk/s1600/Kurt+Scobie+Humble+Quote.jpg" class="size_orig justify_inline border_" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>So, let me say that what I write here is probably not going to be 100% accurate. That is just about impossible. My primary focus is to share honestly my journey and perspective. This is not an excuse so that I can write carelessly. I have been working hard to make sure that my facts are straight and that my heart is right. I just feel like I need to add somewhat of a disclaimer.<br><br>I always want to be teachable. And to be teachable requires a recognition that I don't know everything. In fact, the more I learn the more I realize how little I know. And the higher I am placed in leadership, the more teachable, humble I need to be.<br><br><i>"Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." -<a href="https://bible.com/116/pro.11.2.nlt" target="_blank">Proverbs 11:2</a></i><br><br><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31226252014-08-06T07:00:00-04:002014-08-06T23:39:12-04:00Front Lines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Front Lines</span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 6th, 2014</span><br><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship"><span style="font-size: x-small;">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</span></a><br><br><i>"After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated." 2 Chronicles 20:21-22</i><br><br>My uncle Tom reminded me of this passage when I shared my first post on this blog. King Jehosaphat appointed singers, worship leaders, to go out ahead of the army before the battle. That is the kind of boldness we can have when God is on our side (read: when we're on God's side). They went ahead and praised God for their victory before they had even begun. And <b>"as they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men... who were invading Judah, and they were defeated"</b> - I love it!<br><br>"Spiritual warfare" is a term we often toss around in our bible studies and Christian pow-wows. But, I can say that there really is a war waging that we cannot see. And I can tell you right now that lately I have been in the midst of a battle, myself. Ever since beginning this blog, actually, I have been under attack.<br><br>Doubt came rushing in when I began writing. <i>"What are you doing?", "Who do you think you are?", and "You're wasting your time!"</i> are just a few of many thoughts I have had while working on this blog. And I almost gave in. I almost quit. I had to take a step back and recognize what was happening in the spiritual world.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It is important to remember that there is an enemy. Satan is shooting his arrows. And his attempts to derail us increase when we try to take back ground that he has acquired.<br><br>I imagine that Satan is quite jealous of worship leaders, since he was "fired" from that job. There is a big target on my heart when I claim to be a worship leader. The more I think about this huge responsibility and privilege, the more I fear (revere) God for giving me the opportunity to be a worship leader.<br><br>I hope you will remember to pray for me and other worship leaders. Pray that we do not take lightly the responsibility we have to remain humble yet boldly lead people to a place where they can encounter God. Pray that we will go boldly forward, singing praise and declaring victory even before the battles begin.<br><br><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31226262014-08-04T07:00:00-04:002014-08-06T23:39:12-04:00How Deep The Father's Love<span style="font-size: x-small;">How Deep The Father's Love</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">August 4th, 2014</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a></span><br><br>One of my absolute favorite songs of all time is "How Deep the Father's Love" by Stuart Townend. It is a hymn, but it was written in just the last 25 years. God has spoken to me through the lyrics at several different times in my life. This song has such power.<br><br>This, I believe, is because the message is centered around the gospel. And one beauty of the gospel is that it is just as relevant today as it was a hundred years ago or a thousand years ago.<br><br><iframe frameborder="no" height="166" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/161105080&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%"></iframe> <br>I recorded this simple version of the song in GarageBand a few years ago just because I like it. The lyrics take me to the heart of God. Thinking about the depth of love it takes to give up your only son so that you could redeem a people who won't and can't appreciate it absolutely blows me away. I wouldn't trade my son Judah for anyone or anything. And death on a cross? No way!<br><br>And I have only scratched the surface.<br><br>The truth of God's love is what I desire people to experience through worship. I hope that I am always pointing to Jesus. His love for us is so good. It is something to sing about, always.<br><br><i>"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" - <a href="https://bible.com/111/1jn.3.1.niv" target="_blank">1 John 3:1</a></i>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31173632014-07-31T18:37:00-04:002014-07-31T19:09:08-04:00What is a Worship Leader?<span style="font-size: x-small;">What is a Worship Leader?</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">July 31, 2014</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a></span><br><br>In Christian circles (bubbles) it is easy to lose sight of the fact that some people have no freaking clue what we are talking about because we use these "Christianese" terms.<br><br>So, let me see if I can explain what I mean when I say I'm a "worship leader".<br><br>The short answer is this: "Using my musical and leadership talents to encourage people to engage their hearts in Christ-worship and to experience God's love in a life-changing way". At least, that's what I might say if we ever ran into each other at one of those Christian conferences.<br><br>But there is so much more.<br><br>A true worship leader is one whose entire LIFE brings glory to God. The truth is, every single person on the planet is a worshiper. We all spend our days worshiping something or someone. Think about that. What do you spend your time doing? Who do you serve? What are you always thinking about? What can you not stop talking about? Whether it's money, or technology, or God, or sex, or your kids, or your boyfriend, or your work, or school... you are "worshiping".<br><br>I believe that the worship that happens on the platforms of our churches should be an overflow of the worship that happens in day-to-day life. In other words, worship leaders without a private and ongoing prayer life... are kinda... fakin' it. I know, I know, that is quite a statement. And I am not saying that I have this down. I'll be the first to admit that I have failed horribly at this. Many times. I am the biggest hypocrite of all hypocrites. But, I am working on it. With God. And I think that is the difference.<br><br>Our foundation cannot be the music, or our ability to lead, or our charisma. Our foundation is not within ourselves. It is in Christ alone.<br><br>My desire is to be authentic in my worship. To lead from a pure heart. And purity can only come from the one who is perfectly pure. I want to be a man so drenched in God's presence that when I get in front of people, they don't even see me, only Jesus.<br><br>So, worship leaders, are you filled with God? Does your LIFE lead people in worship? When people encounter you do they see God? Or do they just see your pretty clothes? Or do they just hear your pretty voice?<br><br>I hope that I am not just learning all the right Christianese terms, but really learning the language of heaven by meeting with my heavenly Father every day.<br><br>I hope that I am becoming more like Jesus, and less like my old self.<br><br>I hope that I am becoming more of a worship leader off the stage than on the stage.<br><br>What do you think? What does it mean to be a worship leader?<br><br><br>Kurt Scobietag:kurtscobie.com,2005:Post/31065932014-07-29T21:06:00-04:002014-07-29T21:26:45-04:00Kurt Scobie - Worship Leader<span style="font-size: x-small;">Kurt Scobie - Worship Leader</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;">July 29, 2014</span><br><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.kurtscobie.com/worship">www.kurtscobie.com/worship</a></span><br><br>I know... another blog. One more thing for me to try and keep up with. But, I wanted to create a space to share my journey as a worship leader.<br><br>I have had more and more opportunities to use my gifts for the Kingdom over the past few years. I am not sure where God is taking me next, but I am excited about the possibilities and I plan to share my experiences and thoughts with you here.<br><br>My goal is not to alienate anyone. If you don't understand me or just simply don't agree, that's cool. We can still be friends. But, please understand that the Word of God (the Bible) is offensive in nature, so I'm probably going to piss some people off. If you have any questions for me, I hope you'll ask in the comments.<br><br>Ultimately, my goal is simply to share my journey. Hopefully you find something that is helpful to you at some point along the way. Most importantly, I hope that you will discover for yourself the loving God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -that I have come to trust and follow and love.<br><br><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:17 NKJV</i></blockquote><br>Kurt Scobie