Ask Ricklog

Management

Management

A man in a hot air balloon realized he was lost.
He reduced altitude and spotted a woman below.

He descended a bit more and shouted, "Excuse me, can you help
me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know
where I am."

The woman below replied, "You're in a hot air balloon
hovering  approximately 30 feet above the ground. You're between 40 and
41 degrees north latitude and between 59 and 60 degrees west longitude."

"You must be in Information Technology," said the balloonist.

"I am," replied the woman, "How did you know?"

"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is,
technically correct, but I've no idea what to make of your information,
and the fact is I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help at
all. If anything, you've delayed my trip."

The woman below responded, "You must be in Management."

"I am," replied the balloonist, "but how did you know?"

"Well," said the woman, "you don't know where you are or
where you're going. You have risen to where you are, due to a large
quantity of hot air. You made a promise, which you've no idea how to
keep, and you expect people beneath you to solve your problems. The fact
is you are in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but
now, somehow, it's my fault."

Funny!  Remember, Everything,  absolutely everything, above and below, seen and not seen finds it's purpose in Jesus Christ!  We are most useful when we are more aware of God's presence than we are of our own. 

May 2

"Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding.  That's right---if you make Insight your priority, and won't take no for an answer, searching for it like a prospector panning for gold, like an adventurer on a treasure hunt, believe me, before you know it Fear-of God will be yours; you'll have come upon the Knowledge of God.  And here's why:  God gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding."  Proverbs 2:1-5 Msg

One of my favorite proverbs is found in the next chapter:  "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own." Proverbs 3:5

Today is a great day in my family's life.  Thirteen years ago, my 5th child, Nolan Glen Muchow was born.  We are going to celebrate by having dinner with his 80 year old Grandparents at the RainForest Cafe.  He will open presents and we will have a great time talking about rich memories and how God has been faithful to us. 

Fathers, of all people, need wisdom.  I feel very fortunate that my 13 year old son believes in Jesus Christ.  I enjoy watching him grow in his faith.  He looks a little like his mother and a little like me and every day it seems he is looking more like His saviour.   Proverbs 16 say that when we commit to the Lord, whatever we do... then our plans will succeed.  I believe that my most important ministry is my home.  Without a doubt, leading worship at home is the most important role of my life. 

Speaking of being of relevance, Today I was SHOCKED when reading the new issue of Relevant Magazine and saw a full page advertizement for my first book "The Worship Answer Book!!! I have to admit it is very exciting for me, but honestly.... celebrating my son's birthday today is so much more exciting. 

Job's, meetings, Cd's, books... stuff... will all come and go quickly but the real blessings of God will last forever. 

So today go buy lot's of copies of my book.  Just Kidding.   Make sure you hold the real blessings in your life close and make them your true priority today.

Share your 2006 Easter stories!

More than 1000 people asked Jesus into their hearts at this years Saddleback Easter Services.
We saw over 38,000 people in attendance throughout 15 service times and 37  services, including 1,400 at Coto de Caza and 1,410 at the Saddleback Main Campus sunrise services and 1,854 attend the San Clemente Campus launch. 

I am sincerely grateful for all the Production Assistants, Instrumentalists, Caterers, Singers, Audio specialists, Video specialists and Worship leaders that worked together all for the glory of their Father in heaven.  Well done.
Did I mention the caterers?  Wow!! 

It was my pleasure to baptize 4 people in between all of these services:  Jenny Jaynes who plays violin in our orchestra and who will be graduating with honors with a degree in Mathematics next month;  Leslie Faulkner is a neighbor that I have known 13 years and she taught my 3 younger children how to swim; Zach and Whitney Reddington, family friends that I have known ever since I visited them in the hospital the day they were born.   

In total we baptized 51 people over the weekend.  WOW!!  That is so exciting. 

Are numbers important?

Numbers are very important to God.  There is a book in the bible called numbers! We count people because people count.  Each person matters to God so they had better matter to us.  And while numbers are important, even if no one responded it is still an incredible privilege to serve God.  All the work, time and effort is worth it because God is worthy.

Please share your Easter stories with me and others in the comments of this Blog.  I can't wait to hear  about your friends and family that came to know Christ this Easter. 

Yesterday I went to San Diego Harbor and Kayaked with my Dad.  We had a great time.  What a beautiful day it was and even more so spending time with my father.  While he did not attend any of the Easter services we talked about them and as we talked he said something that renewed my hope that one day he will ask the Lord into his life.  He simply said "I am still an Atheist".  The word STILL indicated to me that he still could choose to believe in Jesus.  In the past he has told me that he was an atheist but never used the word "still".  I am hoping for my dad and all the family and friends in our world who still need Jesus.  That's why ministry is exciting to me.  God renews my strength.  What a great thought that God is using you and I to bring hope to His world. 

"Come celebrate with me... for I have found that sheep of mine which was lost.  I tell you that it is the same in Heaven-there is more joy over one sinner whose heart is changed than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need for repentance."  Luke 15:3-7

"Then the Lord will guide you always and give you plenty even on the parched land.  He will renew your strength, and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails." 
Isa 58:11

 

 

Happy Easter

Happy Easter!

Below is a note for all of the incredible Worship Leaders at Saddleback and the OOW (order of worship) for the

Worship

Center

” 12 services. It includes a brief description of our recent organizational changes. 

Dear Saddleback Worship Leaders,

Thank you in advance for your personal contribution to the ministry at Saddleback, this Easter.  Including the San Clemente campus, this year we are offering 14 service times and a total of 36 services including: Crave, Elevation, Ohana, Overdrive, Praise, El Encuentro, Traditions, Terrace Café, San Clemente and Worship Center.  Only God could pull all of this off and it is humbling to think that he has chosen us to work with him!  I would rather serve with you than any other team in the world.  More than 2000 people became Christians at our Easter services last year!!! 

Speaking of our team, we have made a few changes in the organizational structure which most of you know about by now.  The Creative Arts Team is now part of a much larger team called The Community to Crowd team.  The leader of this team is Pastor Kerry Mackey.  Pastor Kerry is a great guy and a perfect fit for leading this team as he has a wide background in leadership and management as well as a deep passion for worship and evangelism. You will get the opportunity to meet Kerry next week as He will be around at all of the Easter services.   Tony Guerrero is our new Director of Creative Arts.  No stranger to Saddleback, Tony is a very gifted musician and an extremely gifted leader and teacher.  He is well known for his servant heart, his laughter and how he brings the best out of others.  I may well be remembered best around Saddleback as the Pastor who hired Tony. 

My new title is Pastor of Worship Leaders.  I think it is a good fit.  I will be working under Kerry and with Tony on the Community to Crowd team, serving worship leaders in all of Saddleback’s venues.  I will continue to lead rehearsals and worship at Saddleback and at our conferences, develop worship resources for other churches and serve on Saddleback’s Pastors Management Team with Pastor Rick.  One of my greatest joys and honors, in life, is being one of your Pastors.   I have just started a blog for worship leaders at http://askricklog.typepad.com which I plan to update every Monday.  The blog will feature worship resources and insider information for our teams.

Please join me in praying for those that will be attending the Easter services, for all the teams involved in leading and supporting and for God’s spirit to have His way. 

It is a lot of work but it is definitely worth it.

“With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.”

1 Cor 15:58 The Message

See you soon! 

Rick M

Pastor of Worship Leaders

Saddleback

Church

Opening: He Arose (choir)

Welcome/ Explanation of Card/Easter Survey

Singing Together:  Everyday (what to say lord) - Choir

Intro To Message

Because of Your Love – Paul Baloche, Choir

POINT 1

Only Grace-  Matthew West( bgvs)

POINT 2

Let The Rock (That Was Rolled Away) Clay Crosse ( choir)

POINT 3

My Redeemer Lives (with baptism video of changed lives)   Nicole Nordeman(choir)

EXPLAINATION OF INVITATION

Prayer

OFFERING:  There will come a Day- Faith Hill  (with choir!)

Blog Dot Mac?

How many of you have dot mac accounts and why not use it to host your Blog?

Totally unrelated to my question.... here is a great thought: 
"......Is there anyone around who can explain God?  Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do?  Anyone who has done him such a huge favor that God has to ask his advice?  Everything comes from him;
Everything happens through him;
Everything ends up in him.
Always glory!  Always praise! Yes. Yes. Yes.

Rom 11 Message

March 29, 2006

God bless you today. 

My wife and I just returned from the HIM conference in Hawaii. This is a fantastic conference for Pastors, church leaders and believers.  Over 5000 strong.  Although it rained and rained our trip was fantastic.  Before returning home we led worship at Island Family Christian Church.  The last time I visited this church was 8 years ago.  The church has grown substantially and is a bright light for Jesus on the island. I wrote the song Healing Grace at Island Family Christian the last time we visited.  Their worship team is second to none and their HULA ministry UNBELIEVABLE.  They inspired Saddleback's hula ministry (Over 150 strong) and our Ohana worship Venue.  Glad to be home.

My son Brandon, has just taken a worship leader position for Saddleback's offsite campus in San Clemente.  Wow.  I am so blessed. 

On the plane ride home from Hawaii I read a great book called the Fred Factor. 
The book teaches 4 Principles (The Fred Principles)  that can make the ordinary Extraordinary.
1.  Everyone can make a difference
2.  Success is built on relationships
3.  Constantly create value for others
4.  Reinvent yourself regularly

If you have not read this book... I highly recommend you do. 

"I observed that the basic motive for success is the driving force of envy and jealousy!"  Ecclesiates 4:4

Stay close to God. 

New Song

Check out a bit of the intro to my new song Let It Be So.

Here is some of the Chorus!  This recording will be available soon with the Worship Answer Book and the 40 Days of Community Musical Resource Kit available at Purposedriven.com.

RickM

Thanks!

Props to Carlos Whittaker for setting this Blog up.  He will be teaching at Saddleback's Worship Conference and Festival, June 27-30th!

Cute picture of his beautiful daughter, Seanna.  He introduced me to a new world today.  I taught him how to pronounce my last name (Much-How)!

Welcome to my Blog

This is my first post.  I am excited to enter into the Blogosphere. 
RickM