Some crowds give me as warm a reception you could ask for, while others have me reeling in discomfort and outcastedness. Some promises are fulfilled; others are forgotten. Some days are rosy, some are average, and others have me wanting to quit.

At times, the lack of control over all of this is exasperating. “I want to drive the roller coaster!” I scream inside. “I want control!”

Yet, when chaos is the norm–– when criticism, failure, and mundaneness haunt me–– I remember the words of the fellow songwriter, the psalmist, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Such an understanding keeps me at it. I’m being led by the One who formed me in my mother’s womb. The Lord, He is my shepherd, and I shall not want. He leads me through green pastures and beside still waters. He, the divine roller coaster operator, is in control. And He has my best interest in mind.

Today, let us be reminded of his sovereignty. His leadership is perfect. And, for this, I will worship Him. Whether musical success or failure is around the corner, this is about Jesus for me. Through my music, my life, my success and my failure: “May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering.” (The Moravians)

-Phil

Why have those songs remained atop the list of great worship music through the ages? Is it their catchiness? Their eloquence? Maybe a little. Perhaps the Psalms are so great because of their face-melting guitar licks and brilliant music videos? Not in the least. What makes these particular songs so great in God’s eyes is their ability to capture the essence of Him. Unlike so many of today’s songs, the triumph of the Psalms is found in their authentic praise of God.

As I ponder such beautiful worship music, I can’t help but grow in my desire to write music of similar stature. I want my music synced with the songs of the angels, who forever worship God around His throne (Revelation 4-5), proclaiming “Holy” over and over. This is what I long for and strive for–– to give to God the glory due His name (Psalm 29).

Really, I’ll settle for nothing less with my music. He deserves far better than what he’s getting from most of today’s music. And so, I’m striving to write the hits. Maybe they’ll be catchy and eloquent. Maybe they’ll have face-melting guitar licks and we’ll shoot cool music videos for them. But, above all, they’ll worship God–– giving Him what He’s worthy of.

Amen. Who’s with me?

-Phil

Thank you so much for your support over the years. I really appreciate it very much and with much prayer, disappointment, and hope it now seems that my album will hit Lifeway in February of 2010.

I hope and pray it comes to pass but in this business you cant be sure of anything until you see it!

I visited Thailand this week and visited the churches there and I can tell you that they are on fire for Christ like no other. Talking to someone in the cab, they want to come to church. Talk to someone at lunch, they want to come to church. People there are so hungry for something different and when they feel the Lord it’s no going back. I spent a week there and reached out to people, supported the churches we have planted, and energized them.

Please pray for Thailand that it continues to grow. The enemy has planted there well, and its a war there like no other.

P

A change for the better.

While most of my old fans are upset by this, I need to tell you that I have found what I am looking for, and his name is Jesus. If you are struggling, poor, broke, destitute, and are on the edge, please know that I have been there and the ONLY way out is through him. Please open the bible to the book of Acts and start reading. This is where it all began, the first people in the upper room.

I feel so blessed and I deeply appreciate all of the emails of support I have received from people I’ve never met. While I am trying to get my record in stores here in the United States to spread the Lord’s message, it’s been an uphill battle. That is ok with me because I continue to sell out to record crowds overseas in areas where Jesus is needed the most and I am grateful that the Lord has used me to reach people through my songs. I plan to play Iran in the near future and plan to do an outreach there soon.

Please feel free to explore my site and if you are a worship leader and or Pastor you will want to visit my www.christianpriaseandworship.com which is a worship forum I recently created.

Contrary to what is being said about me, I have not abandoned my fan base, but instead I have found the answer to what I have been seeking my entire life. You can find out about that answer in the words of my music.