



Being a worship leader is very challenging. It entails more than just being able to sing or play an instrument. It’s not just about leading a band and performing on stage. I believe that the talent in music is indispensable and it is important to excel in whatever you do but it should not always be the focus of any worship leader/team because leading God's people in worship is a sacred calling. Churches should develop worship leaders and team members who are not just musically gifted but also possess depth of character and a solid spiritual foundation.
I have been a part of the worship team for more than a decade and I think that the most difficult part of being in the ministry is to live a daily life of worship. I believe that it is impossible to be an effective worshiper if you do not display the glory of God in all aspects of life. We must turn our backs from the deeds of the flesh and make our passions and desires parallel with God’s plan. In a world full of distractions, it is hard to stay focused and worship leaders need to devote their time in activities that would make them grow spiritually, make them passionate in serving God, help them increase their creativity and originality and help them keep a joyful and faithful heart. I have experienced great testing and failure in life and I’ve learned so many lessons through those experiences. To have an intimate and growing relationship with the Lord everyday is what would make me stay on the right track. Once I turn my eyes away from Him, I know I would be in trouble. I’m just so grateful that I have an awesome God who saved me from the wrath of sin and gave me a new beginning and He brought me to the right path.
I am presently handling the worship team of our church and the team consists of young people. I honestly find it very challenging to train them and encourage them to hone their skills because they need to balance their time for God, family, school, friends and ministry. I desire to be a leader that would naturally motivate them to excel in everything they do. My prayer is that God would help me become a living example of servant leadership. I know I still have to work on my character and continue to seek God’s guidance so that I’ll be the person He wants me to be. I also pray that our worship ministry would grow and eventually reach its full potential. I want our team to make a difference in our families, school, workplace, church and in the community.
For many people, Christmas is a time of sorrow. They don't have the extra money to buy presents for their children, family, and friends. Many are saddened at Christmastime when they think of their loved ones who will not be able to come home for various reasons. Turkey dinners may be only a wish and not a reality for some.
Yet, Christmas can be a season of great joy. It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. You see, Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child.
Luke 2: 4-19 says:
"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
Why did He come? Why did God send His son to this sometimes cruel and hard world? He sent Jesus to us so that one day, He would grow up to become a very important part of history. His story (history) is one of truth, love, and hope. It brought salvation to all of us. Without Jesus, we would all die in our sins.
Jesus was born so one day the price could be paid for the things we have done that are wrong. The Bible says that all have sinned. We are all born with a sin nature. We do things that do not please God. Through the sins of Adam and Eve, we have all inherited that sin nature. We need to have that removed. The only way is through Jesus. Jesus came so He could die on the cross for ALL of our sins. If we believe that Jesus died for our sins, we can ask Him to come into our hearts and forgive us. Then, we are clean and made whole. We can know that heaven is a place where we can go to when this life is over.
"But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong." I John 1:9
We can truly be happy at Christmas! No matter what may be happening, we can know that we are His children. We then become sons and daughters of God. Heaven will be our home one day.
Look at Christmas in a new way this year. This is the year to invite Jesus into your heart. You will then have a "Merry Christmas." The joy and peace you will receive will last all year as you look to God for all your needs to be met.
Jesus Is The Reason For The Season! Rejoice!
From: http://www.cbn.com
Jesus is our link to a successful, satisfying and fruitful life. He is our link to a peaceful and joyful living. He is our link to happy and harmonious relationships with families and friends. He is our link to a blessed life here on earth. Most importantly, Jesus is our link to the Father and eternal life in heaven. So, if you feel hopeless, broken, empty, unloved or if you feel like something is lacking in your life, just go to God. He's more than enough to meet all your needs!
We were invited to play at Fullcup Cafe in Intramuros Manila last July 18. We played four songs including two originals. Our next gig will be on July 31, Thursday at Freedom Bar in Annapolis Quezon City.
To all youth groups all over the Philippines, churches, universities, music bars, artists or any member of the music industry and anyone who happens to pass by this site, please feel free to send us your invitations through my comment box or you can email me at digymusic_1day@yahoo.com. You can also visit my multiply account by clicking this link. http://digymusic1day.multiply.com.
I never thought she could play the piano but she can really play very well. Hi Nikki! If you'll be able to watch this, I hope you'll like it. =)
Before the day
Before the light
Before the world revolved around the sun
God on high
Stepped down into time
And wrote the story of His love for everyone
He has filled our hearts with wonder
So that we always remember
You and I were made to worship
You and I are called to love
You and I are forgiven and free
When you and I embrace surrender
When you and I choose to believe
Then you and I will see who we were meant to be
All we are
And all we have
Is all a gift from God that we receive
Brought to life
We open up our eyes
To see the majesty and glory of the King
He has filled our hearts with wonder
So that we always remember
Even the rocks cry out
Even the heavens shout
At the sound of His Holy name
So let every voice sing out
Let every knee bow down
He's worthy of all our praise
Singer Barbie Almalbis with her husband Martin Honasan at CCP
Nikki Gil and I in their beautiful home in Alabang. I went there with our musical director Nikko Rivera and we talked about the line up and arrangements for the Genxt Camp held last November 2007. Tita Julie (Nikki's mom), was very accomodating, she served snacks and made us feel comfortable while we were there.
with Teddy of Rocksteddy at CCP
My wife and I with Nikki Gil after the Christmas Concert entitled "Naiibang Pasko" at Pasay City
Left to Right: Adam on guitar, Digi on percussion, Nikki on lead vocals, Nikko on 1st keys and music director, Karel on bass, Mike on drums and on the lower left, Tom on 2nd keys
with actress and former MTV VJ Donita Rose at M.Y.M.P. concert in Quezon City
We were invited by DJ Jordan of NU 107 to play at Conspiracy Bar in Visayas Avenue. We played five songs, including three originals. Rico didn't make it that night because of work so we asked our good friend Kenneth to play the guitar. Our next gig would be on July 4, Friday at Full Cup Intramuros Manila.
I'm glad I was given the chance to minister to thousands of youth through helping in the music team of Transformer Youth Camp. He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary tasks. The ministry has become a huge success. This video is also for the volunteers and ministry workers who gave their time to help in this year's camp. You are a blessing. May you continue serving the Lord faithfully. To all campers, see you next year!
Praise the Lord! Final Transformer Camp Stats:
Campers - 57,017
Total Saved - 24,006
Total Baptized - 5,570
BBCA New Student Applicants - 1,706
GOD IS DOING A GREAT WORK AMONG US! LET'S CHANGE THE WORLD!