Kim McLean, CTTF Songwriter and Worship Team Singer

Kim, you're a professional songwriter and singer and also an ordained minister who loves the Word of God and loves to preach and teach. What is your favorite Scripture and why?

Choosing a favorite Scripture is no easy request! The amazing thing about God's Word is that it's always new. It's like mining for the real gold, and no matter where I am in my life, He speaks to me through His Word. But if you insist, I'd have to say Romans 11:33-36. It says, "O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and how inscrutable His ways! For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has been His counselor? Or who has given a gift to Him to receive a gift in return? (and here's the juicy part) For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen"

I love this passage from beginning to Amen. The riches of revelation and insight that the Lord gives when we love Him whole-heartedly and seek His Truth are immeasurable. We need the Holy Spirit to guide us now more than ever. Our country is not moving in a holy direction. Our government is not creating policies that are based on godly principles. Divorces officially outnumber lasting marriages. I know more people without jobs than with them. There are so many things I could name that concern me these days, but it is in our individual lives, in our Christian homes, in our day to day movement that we contribute to these problems, or help solve them. I believe they are only solved by God's wisdom, and by us standing up for and living holy lives. We carry His light into all that we do, and all that we do culminates in Him.

God's world is still beautiful, because it is still His. That's what Paul is conveying in this passage. God is in charge. I find comfort in that unshakeable reality, and I also feel a call to action. I think of 2 Peter 1 where the Word says God's divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him. That's those riches again! We are invited to participate with God in bringing "His will on earth as it is in Heaven."

And finally, I think the key to the whole thing is in verse 36. Jesus is the means and the end - "from Him, through Him, and to Him." There's an old hymn my Mom use to sing, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus." If you know to do that, you've got life's greatest treasure.

The Lord has gifted you to write beautiful songs that relate to each year's Come to the Fire theme. How is the Lord leading you, this year, with a theme song for, "Enter His Rest"?

This year, I began thinking and praying about a theme song as soon as I knew the direction God was taking us. I collected notes, poured over scriptures, and plunked out a few "restful" chords. But then God gave me a vision. He guided me to invite the CTTF worship singers to write for the conference.

I teach songwriting, and mentor some writers here in Nashville, and I wanted to give a gift to my Singin' Sisters in Christ. Devon O'Day is a co-writer of mine who has written many "hits" as well, so I asked her to help me put together a writer's retreat for the CTTF worship team.  

We all went to a beautiful mountain in Mont Eagle, TN and wrote. This year's theme song, "Enter His Rest" was one we all wrote together. We had a keyboard set up in the living room of the lodge, guitars, a mandolin, Bibles, pens, pads, and the Holy Spirit. We were prayed up and over. Once I shared the musical ideas, the words came quickly, chorus first, the first and second verse, then the bridge. We made sure every line, every word, lined up with God's Word. It was quite an experience as we shared scriptures and worshipped! A sweet time. God gave the song!!!
                                           
Kim, how do you practically enter God's rest?

For me, to enter God's rest is a place in the heart. It is a mind set.

I always keep my Bible by my bed at night, so I always pick it up first thing, and read. Typically, that turns into an hour or so of devotional time. I like to choose a special passage from that reading time to ponder all day, you know, to make a point to keep "thinking on these things." I like to watch how God's Word pans out in the moment by moment living. Does it still count when a traffic jam makes me late? Does it still matter when the world is coming at me full force? And, of course, it does. This is my rest.  

I often pray by writing in my journal. It keeps me focused. During the day, things can get hectic, and so I keep my Bible with me. I give thanks throughout the day - there's always something to give thanks for. That keeps me reminded of God's presence. He is my rest.  

I also keep a guitar by my bed for random acts of worship. He does sing over us, you know, and I find great joy being in God's band.

I've always thought it curious that the Word says to labor to enter into His rest. But the older I get, the more I understand. There are many distractions. It's kind of like getting exercise so you'll sleep better. I "work out" with the Word, prayer, worship, and staying in tune with the Spirit. That last one can be tricky. Little regrets, resentments or fears come along to steal our joy, but the Spirit taps on my shoulder and gets my attention back on Him. This is my rest.