Foreward by Ray Hughes

King David was undoubtedly the biblical blueprint by which all musicians aspire to be likened. No one in history has rivaled the impact he had on his generation. Some might argue that Beethoven, Bach, Elvis or the Beatles influenced larger numbers of people. But of all the great composers and entertainers that history recounts, never in any Hall of Fame or museum will you find it said of their songs that they "will be a truth that endures to all generations." King David's lyrics have been canonised as the very Word of God, who is the Creator of all creation. His lyrics have been interpreted in every musical genre that exists to date. In our generation alone, at least thousands, and possibly millions of new songs have been born out of his original lyrics.

Though David was a king and a warrior, he was many other things as well. He was a husband and a father. He was a failure at times, and in some cases I'm sure he was his own worst enemy. At other times it seemed that he could not be defeated. We must remember that this great Psalmist of Israel was, in all his glory, first and foremost a worshipper of God. From the foundational worship of his heart for God and the simplicity of obedience, David composed the lyrics of his life which became "God's song" for us all.

David Markee has obviously captured the essence of God's desire to see and hear His glory flowing to and through the musicians of today. Much of God's glory has been lost to the poisonous issues of the heart. I know of no writing that so clearly and effectively deals with the issues that have ruthlessly robbed musicians of the purity of worship. David's understanding and balanced approach to the subject of creativity and worship is a must read for those who are determined to redeem the lost glory in their lives.

RAY HUGHES - Selah Ministries, Nashville, Tennessee