Hello everyone, I haven't been over here recently to the Worship Rants blog. I hope to come back here, every now and then, for some theological, musical or otherwise interesting posts. In the meantime, we currently have a monthly series taking place on my website, www.tgmusicmedia.com called "Ministry Insights."

"Ministry Insights" is a series of short monthly articles written by myself and other friends that speak to life in ministry. We hope that these articles are helpful, encouraging and useful whether you are in ministry full time, part time, considering ministry on any level or you simply need a little encouragement to carry on in life with the Lord by your side.

Enjoy the articles, support the guest writers and be encouraged as you walk worthy of the calling that the Lord has for you!

Ephesians 4:1

See you on the web and in concert!
 --  Tim   :)

Latest News...

Hello all, I thought I'd take a minute to post a update on this blog with all the events, information, links and products that I'm involved with or have been working on in the past year or so.  Enjoy and feel free to pass along to those who may be interested.

As many of you know from my twitter feed or my Facebook posts, it has been a busy 2013 and 2014 for me.  I have finished my first two devotional books and they are now available to the world.  I have also been doing a large amount of songwriting, many of these efforts are starting to see the light of day, including a Country Song I co-wrote with the Scottish band Ashton Lane, now available on iTunes.

Below is a quick update and link for all the events and products that are available as well as an update on the various projects that I continue to work on or be a part of.  Enjoy and God Bless, and remember, Worship is a lifestyle!

"Choosing a Worship Lifestyle" - This is the first title in the Worship Lifestyle Devotional Series that I have written.  "Choosing a Worship Lifestyle" provides 30 Days of short Worship Lifestyle devotions that help to begin or end your day focusing on a life with God.  It is now available in softcover and ebook from Westbow Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and more.

http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Author/Default.aspx?BookworksSId=SKU-000935344

"Scripture & Song" - The second book in the Worship Lifestyle Devotional Series.  "Scripture & Song" is a 30 Day devotional based on song lyrics that I have written as well as the scripture behind each song.  Included after each day's devotional is a space for thoughts and reflection as well as a place to write down your prayers.  "Scripture & Song" is also available from Westbow Press (and others) on softcover and in ebook format.

http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Author/Default.aspx?BookworksSId=SKU-000935344

"Amanda Lynne" - "Amanda Lynne" is the country song that I've co-written with the Scottish Country/Pop band, Ashton Lane.  "Amanda Lynne" is an upbeat, country/bluegrassy feel song and is now available on iTunes.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/amanda-lynne-single/id901332053

"New England Gospel Jubilee" - I continue to sing tenor/back up vocals and be a part of The New England Gospel Jubilee (NEGJ.)  The NEGJ is a southern gospel / country gospel music event that is held weekly on Thursday nights in the Wallingford/Meriden, CT area.  The Truth Band is the house band that provides the music and we worship in a Country / Southern Gospel style.  Why not come out, hear some music, hear a brief biblical message and see what we're all about.  Check out the Facebook page for more details and locations.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-New-England-Gospel-Jubilee/600941356604483

"Trinity Worship Songwriters' Series" - I have begun leading and facilitating a monthly Worship/Christian Songwriter's forum/group based out of my church, Trinity Evangelical Free Church, in Woodbridge, CT, The Trinity Worship Songwriters' Series (TWSS.)  During our monthly meetings, we discuss writing worship songs as well as writing Christian based songs.  We discuss topics such as writing from scripture, the technical process of writing a song, roadblocks in writing and more.  There is also a time where the songwriters will share some songs that are flowing from our hearts.  If you are a Worship/Christian songwriter in the New Haven or southern/central CT area and want to join us to rub elbows with other Christian songwriters, drop me a line and I will be happy to tell you more about it.  You may contact me at tim@tgmusicmedia.com.

"Upcoming Plans for 2014-2015" - I have lots of ideas and plans for the next year or so.  Below are things you may see come to light, so keep an eye out and watch my twitter feed, Facebook pages and website for more information. (twitter: timgarrison30, website: www.tgmusicmedia.com, Facebook: www.facebook.com/timgarrisonministry)

• Plans to record an EP or an album of my originally written Worship, Christian and Country songs.  This will depend on funding and musician availability.
• Make more content (songs, videos, teachings, etc available online via my website and youtube.
• Further expand the TWSS (Trinity Worship Songwriters' Series.)
• Write the next book or two in the Worship Lifestyle Devotional Series.
• … and more.  Stay Tuned!!!! 

All the best, God Bless and until next time!
Tim Garrison

Tools Of The Trade...

After reading a very small devotion based on Ephesians 6:10-17, I got to thinking.  An athlete usually has the correct tools to succeed at the sport he or she plays.  For example, a baseball player has just the right type of bat, helmet, glove, cleats, etc.  A hockey player has just the right size and type of skates and equipment as well as just the right type of stick for their preference.  A golfer has just the right number of clubs in the bag, just the right type of golf shoes, spikes, bag, grips, etc.  A factory worker usually has the right tools to succeed in fabricating or making the part or product on the assembly line.  They have the right hand tools, the right machinery and the right raw materials.

Do we as Christians have just the right type of tools that we need to be successful in our daily Christian walk?  I believe we do.  Let's take a look at Ephesians 6:10-17.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  For our struggle is not against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.  Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God."  (NASB)

This portion of scripture shows us that God has given us everything we need to have protection as well as the correct weapons in our arsenal as we walk through this life as a believer in Christ.  Just as an athlete needs to pick up the baseball bat or golf clubs in order to use them, we need to pick up the armor that God has given us.  Just as the worker needs to pick up the tools to craft a product, so must we in order to be protected against the evil and temptations of this world.  The athlete and worker cannot be successful just by simply owning the tools and equipment, they must use them, they must put on the skates, cleats, helmets and gloves.  They must choose to do something with the tools and machinery in order to be successful in their craft.

We must put on and pick up the armor that God has made available to us in our lives.  For us, when we put on the full armor that God gives us, we are made strong in the Lord and in the strength of His mighty power (verse 10.)  By putting on the full armor of God, we are successfully able to ward off temptations and schemes of the devil (verse 11.)

So what are the tools and equipment that God has given us?  First we can hold everything together with truth and by wearing the breastplate of righteousness. (Ephesians 6:14)  Truth is the gospel and by putting on and picking up God's truth, and living by it, we are equipping our lives with good moral and spiritual character.  This verse is referring to integrity in our lives.  Living a lifestyle of worship and righteousness is Godly integrity and gives us a high moral character.  By living a righteous life, we are protecting our hearts from the evils of Satan.  The righteous living is the breastplate that protects our hearts.

Second, we must "shod our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace." (verse 15)  This means that we must take steps to be prepared and be ready to share the Gospel of salvation with others.  This is an active step we must take in order to be ready for God when He wants to use us for His purposes.  By covering our feet with the Gospel, we are giving our lives support and stability which comes from God.

Third, we have the shield of faith. (verse 16) We need a shield to defend ourselves when others hurl insults, lies and other evil at us.  Whether it is flaming arrows of the evil one or things from other people, the shield of faith, that God gives us, allows us to be protected.  The shield is trusting in God, faithful living and is faith that God will answer prayers according to His will and His timing.

Fourth, we must put on the helmet of salvation. (verse 17)  As we know, a helmet protects our head.  Salvation protects us from eternal separation from God.  The helmet of salvation protects us from Satan's desire to attack our mind.

Finally we have the Sword of the Spirit available to us. (verse 17) The Sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon mentioned in the armor of God.  As we know from Hebrews 4:12, "the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

The Sword of the Spirit, The Word of God is sharp enough to pierce all the way to our hearts and convict and instruct us on the deepest level.  It is also sharp enough and piercing enough to use on others in our discussions and relationships when we reach out to those who need Jesus.  Relying on the Word of God, The Bible, His Word, is the only offensive weapon we need and is plenty powerful to accomplish God's purposes.

So as we reflect on the tools of the trade needed for the christian, we see that Ephesians 6:10-17 spells out all what God has given us.  Our full set of tools is available through God when we have a relationship with Him.  Let's be masters of our trade, most valuable players on our fields and employee of the month in our daily walks with Jesus.  Putting on the full armor of God gives us the tools of the trade to live righteously and worshipfully in Him.

God bless until next time - tg

"This Place"

We often sing songs about worshipping God in "this place."  We often sing "You are awesome in this place, mighty God."  I've noticed over the years that the subject of "This Place" often appears in worship songs and sermons in our worship services.

For me, it has been a source of reflection and self examination as well as a different take on the phrase of "This Place."  Sure, God is awesome no matter where we are.  He is surely awesome in everything He does and everywhere He is.  He is surely awesome when we come together and acknowledge His holy presence in corporate worship.  But, for me, it hit a little bit closer to home one day and has forever changed how I feel, how I worship and how I respond to God when I sing or hear the phrase "this place" in a worship song or service today.

Let's look at the obvious and what most of us probably see on a daily basis first.  There is the physical "place" that God occupies.  That can be in our church buildings, in heaven, out in front of the Israelites when they left Egypt (Exodus 13:20-22) or other physical places.  I think this is what is most commonly thought of when we sing corporate worship songs about God being in "this place."  When we sing songs about God dwelling in "this place" or inviting God to be in "this place," often it is in a corporate worship environment and we are thinking of the idea of God settling down on us as a congregation in a specific physical place.

More personally but still physically, if we are singing, praying or focusing on God being in "the place" where we are, it still tends to be physical.  We may often pray or invite God to be in the place we are when we are quietly worshipping at home.  We may often cry out to God to be with us in the place of desperation as we face trials and tribulations and are in a place of needing Him to break into our lives.  While this is more spiritual than physical, it still is a more common idea of the place where we expect to see and find God.

The idea that struck me one day when I was worshipping was that God is awesome in the place of my heart.  As a believer, as a Christ follower, I have Christ in my heart and I am filled with the Holy Spirit.  God changes us from the old sinful creatures that we were to the new creations in Christ.  We are changed from within and transformed when we choose to accept Christ as our savior and follow Him.  This can only happen when He is awesome in the place of my heart.  Realizing that God is awesome in the place of my heart also acknowledges that I am submitting to His authority and kingship of my life.

2 Corinthians 3:18 states "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." (NASB)  When we worship and when we sing and say that "God is awesome in this place;" or when we say "come and meet me in this place," He's already in our hearts as believers.  As a believer in Christ, acknowledging God in the place that He already occupies, my heart, causes me to respond on a deeper level and a humble and personal level.  I know how wicked and sinful my heart can be without Christ and without God to shape, mold and forgive a sinner like me.  I know and I see the work He's done in my heart and that is an deep and emotional response for me as well as a reason to know that He is truly awesome in this place, the place of my heart.

1 Peter 4:14 states "If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." (NASB)  I am thankful that Christ lives within me and that the Holy Spirit resides and rests in and on me.  Yes, God you are awesome in this place, the place within the four walls of our congregations, the place of working in our country, our governments, our schools and in our families.  But God, you are awesome in the place of my heart, forgiving a sinner like me and giving me complete restoration to You and the ability to live a grace filled life, one that will be eternally spent with You.

Today's Worship Song to possibly sing a bit differently now - "You are Awesome in This Place Mighty God."

Until next time, God bless you, keep worshipping Him, because He is awesome in the place of our hearts!!!

Improve and Approved

2 Timothy 2:15 - "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."

I'm really wanting to do more song writing lately.  Not only do I want to continue to write songs as I've done since 1997 when I wrote what I consider to be my first "real" song, Jesus My King, but I want to do more.  I want to write country songs.  I want to write country songs of a specific nature.  I want to write better worship songs.  I want to write songs from my heart that I feel are in me but I just can't quite get out.

There's only one problem.  I need to get better.  I need to be a better songwriter.  I feel that a lot of my songs, up until this point, have a familiar feel and sound, which is not bad, its my style.  But as I strive to write more songs, more complex songs, to me, they all come out sounding like Jesus My King or some of my other songs and I can never seem to get that country sound that I love when I hear it from others.  As I venture out into territory that has not traditionally been in my songwriting and musical comfort zone, I know I need to work hard, practice, study, rehearse and put the effort into my craft.  I want to and need to be stretched.  I need to collaborate with other songwriters and I need to improve my guitar and piano playing.  I know that I need to grow in my musical abilities and understanding of music, chord structures, and the the understanding of how the notes, chords and music all fit together.  Basically, I need to improve. So be on the lookout in the future for some different and maybe collaborative songs from me and whoever comes across my path that I choose to work with.  

So that is the "Improved" part of what I wanted to share.  How about the "Approved" part?  Will people approve of my music?  Will they like it?  Will they laugh at me and my music?  Will they not like my music?  Basically I'm not really concerned with those types of questions.  I am not devoting myself to improvement to be approved by others.  I am working hard to write songs from my heart and to do it for my own fun, edification, growth, relaxation and convictions.  What I do care about is that God approves of what I do.  As 2 Timothy 2:15 states, I want to be diligent to present myself to God in a way that He will approve of me and all I do.  I want to work hard and be a workman who is not ashamed of God or how God has made me and the gifts He has given me.  Most importantly, I want to accurately handle His Word, the Bible, I want to live by it accurately and I want to share Christ's love with others.  In order to do this, I need to improve my life and my understanding of the Bible.  I need to read it more, pray more, seek God more and seek a close walk with Him every day.  I can be approved by God by improving my Christian walk and living in such a way that extends grace to others and follows the best laid plans that God has for me.

Not only can I study, work hard, practice and collaborate with others to improve my songwriting and singing skills; but I, and we, can work hard for God.  We can study God's word and work hard in seeking Him. We can strive to live in God's grace.  We can practice what we preach, and practice what the Bible teaches us on how to live worshipful lives.  We can also "collaborate" with other christians to be held accountable and learn from our mistakes.  We can have mentors that help us to mature spiritually.  Studying and working to improve in all areas of our lives will help us to be approved in the areas that God is concerned with.

So as I strive, work and practice my craft and desire to get better and develop my songwriting skills, I couldn't help but notice the parallel to my life as a christian.  I guess it shouldn't surprise me because often, life as a christian is compared to a song.  I want my life to sing in such a way that God approves of me and says "Well done good and faithful servant."  

As the Casting Crowns song goes... "Let my lifesong sing to You, I want to sign Your name, to the end of this day, knowing that my heart was true, let my lifesong sing to You."

God Bless!!!

Overcome With Alignment...

Do you ever totally, openly and honestly go before God and say "whatever you want Lord? I'm at my end Lord, I submit to Your authority, Your sovereignty, Your sufficiency, Your forgiveness, Your grace and Your plan for me Lord?"

If you do, maybe you've had the same feelings as I have lately. I often feel like I'm overcome by His presence to the point that I just about can't take it and can't handle it any more. I often feel He is aligning me to His will and His Word so much that my brain is on overload. I often feel that I am overcome with emotions, dependence on Him, a lack of direction and a conviction that I need Him so much more in my life. The conviction I'm speaking of is that the only way out of my current desperate need and the only way to get to His end, is to lean on His everlasting arms more than ever and truly trust that He knows what is best for me. He knows what is best and He has a heavenly plan for me and my life. At this point I must trust, that in His time, He will reveal His plans and His wisdom to me as I honestly seek Him for leading, direction and discernment.

One thing I am realizing is that it can be painful, emotional and uncomfortable to be totally honest, to be broken before God, and to be totally overcome by His presence. If we are honest before God, it can be all of this; but it can also be and should be a satisfying, strangely peaceful and hopeful time as we are aligned to His Word and whatever He is doing. When we come to The Father in this way, we are living a lifestyle of worship to Him. We are seeking Him and we are submitting ourselves and our lives fully to Him. To live a worship lifestyle is to put God first in everything and expect something heavenly which is more of Himself revealed to us. His very best for us and His heart then starts to break into and invade our lives. Will we respond to His moving?

Scripture to read: Philippians 4:19, Psalm 94:19, Psalm 139:23, Philippians 4:6

Book to Read: "I Am Second" - Authors Doug Bender, Dave Sterrett

Song to Listen to: "Whatever You're Doing/Something Heavenly" - Artist - Sanctus Real

The Two Empty Chairs

“In my kitchen there is a table and two empty chairs. I grab the chairs, one for me and one for God. Each day, I take these two chairs and set them facing each other. I invite God to the chair in front of me and I sit in the other. I sit there quiet, waiting as if I really expect Him to show up in person. As I sit and wait quietly, I begin to pray. I begin to repent. I begin to cry and I begin to listen.

I cry out to the Savior of my soul and share the deepest longings of my heart as if Jesus were sitting in that kitchen, right there with me. I cry out for others, I cry out for me, I bring before Jesus, my heart's desires and needs. At some point between the time I set the chairs in place, and the point that I am realizing I am conversing with a physically empty chair, I realize the chair is not empty. I know God is present, I know God is there and has accepted my invitation.

This brings me to my knees. I get up out of my chair and get on my knees as if Jesus is sitting right there in front of me. I imagine the woman wiping the feet of Jesus, as a pool of tears begin to form on the floor in front of me. My stomach wrenches in deep despair as I groan with requests too deep for words. I pray before and seek answers from my Savior, a Savior who has accepted my invitation to simply meet me where I am, which is now on the floor between the two chairs, one of which is now empty, mine.

I do not yet see visible answers to my prayers, but I know He hears me. I do not have a visible plan to try to accomplish, but I know He hears me. I do not know how things will turn out, but I know He hears me, and He knows how it will go. I am assured that in the still and quiet place, while on my knees, that my God knows what His very best is for me. That, and only that, is enough for me to get me through to the next day; a day when the chairs will again be set in place and the invitation extended for Jesus and His Holy Spirit to enter my house, to enter my life and to speak His unspeakable joy, comfort and leading in my life.”